Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Community Insurance Partners is based in Mobile, Alabama, and helps Medicare beneficiaries throughout Mobile, Baldwin County, and surrounding Alabama communities make informed Medicare decisions. In addition to serving our local communities, our licensed agents also assist Medicare beneficiaries in several neighboring states.
What Is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time each year when people enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year.
During AEP, you may be able to:
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Return to Original Medicare
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan
- Enroll in, change, or leave a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Most changes made during AEP become effective on January 1 of the following year.
When Is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.
During this window, eligible beneficiaries can review their coverage and submit enrollment requests before the deadline.
Missing the Annual Enrollment Period may limit your ability to make changes until another qualifying enrollment period becomes available.
Why Should You Review Your Medicare Coverage Every Year?
Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, reviewing your coverage annually is important because Medicare plans can change from year to year.
Changes may include:
- Monthly premiums
- Prescription drug formularies
- Provider networks
- Copays and coinsurance
- Deductibles
- Supplemental benefits
- Maximum out-of-pocket costs
Your own healthcare needs may also change during the year, making a different plan a better fit.
What Should You Bring to Your Medicare Review?
To help make your review as productive as possible, consider bringing:
- Your current Medicare card
- Your current plan information
- A list of prescription medications
- Your preferred doctors and specialists
- Pharmacy information
- Questions about your current coverage
Having this information available allows your licensed agent to review your current situation and discuss available plan options.
How Community Insurance Partners Can Help
Our licensed insurance agents provide educational Medicare reviews designed to help you better understand your options.
During your appointment, we can help you:
- Review your current Medicare coverage
- Discuss plan changes that may affect you
- Compare available Medicare plan options
- Review prescription drug coverage
- Answer Medicare questions
- Explain available enrollment opportunities
Our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can make an informed decision based on your individual needs.
Ready to Talk About Your Medicare Options?
Whether you’re preparing for the Annual Enrollment Period, comparing plans, or simply want to better understand your current coverage, we’re here to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.
No. If your current coverage continues to meet your needs, you may choose to keep it. However, reviewing your plan each year can help you understand any changes that may affect your coverage.
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries may change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Yes. During AEP, eligible beneficiaries may enroll in, change, or leave a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
If you miss AEP, you may need to wait until another qualifying enrollment opportunity unless you become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
If you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, you may be able to keep your existing plan. However, Medicare plans can change from year to year, including premiums, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, copayments, and benefits. Taking a few minutes to review your plan each year can help confirm that it’s still the best fit for your healthcare needs before deciding to keep it.
Any changes you make during the Annual Enrollment Period generally become effective on January 1 of the following year.
Yes. Even if you don’t expect to make changes, an annual Medicare coverage review is a good way to stay informed. Reviewing your coverage before the Annual Enrollment Period gives you time to update your list of doctors and prescription medications, discuss changes to your healthcare needs, ask questions, and understand your options before enrollment begins.