Your Guide to Medicare AEP: Key Dates and Decisions for 2026

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate, especially with so many coverage choices and deadlines. But it’s important to understand, because this window of time each fall is when you can review your plan, check for changes, and decide if switching could benefit your health and finances.

Knowing the 2026 dates and the available options can help you feel more prepared.

What Is the Annual Enrollment Period?

The Annual Enrollment Period is the time each fall when people with Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage. For 2026, the AEP runs from October 15, 2025, to December 7, 2025.

During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, you can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
• Join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Join, drop, or switch a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.

Any changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year. For example, if you switch plans on November 5, 2025, your new coverage will begin January 1, 2026.

How to Know If You Need to Change Plans

You may not need to change your Medicare coverage every year. But the annual enrollment period is a good time to review your plan and determine if it still meets your needs.

Medicare requires an Annual Notice of Change each September to be sent to enrollees in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. This document outlines the changes to your premiums, copays, benefits, and drug coverage that will take effect in the coming year.

Original Medicare won’t send out this notice. Since it’s administered by the government, basic coverage typically doesn’t change year to year. Instead, you may receive a booklet called Medicare & You that shares any changes.

Here are some reasons why you might consider switching:

• Rising costs: If premiums, deductibles, or out-of-pocket limits increase.
• Drug coverage changes: If your medications aren’t covered by your provider or move to a more expensive tier.
• Provider networks: If your doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies aren’t in-network anymore.
• New health needs: If your health situation changes and you want more comprehensive benefits, such as dental or vision, which are often offered by Medicare Advantage.

Is the Annual Enrollment Period the Same as Open Enrollment?

Even though these terms are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same.

• Annual Enrollment Period: AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During this time, all Medicare enrollees can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage or join, drop, or change Part D plans.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP): This runs from January 1 to March 31. It’s only for people who already have a Medicare Advantage Plan. During this time, you can switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare. You can’t join a new Part D plan unless you also return to Original Medicare.

Knowing the difference can help ensure you don’t miss the correct window for the changes you want to make.

3 Things to Know About AEP

Understanding a few key facts about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period can help make planning ahead easier. Here are three key points to remember for 2026:

1. The 2026 dates are set. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15, 2025, to December 7, 2025. Medicare uses the same dates each year, giving you a standard window to review and update your plan.
2. Changes take effect January 1. Any updates you make during the AEP will begin on January 1, 2026, as long as your request is received by the deadline on December 7.
3. Plans renew automatically, but review carefully. If you don’t make changes, your current plan will usually renew. However, costs and benefits may shift each year.

What Happens If I Miss AEP?

If you miss the Annual Enrollment Period, your current plan will usually renew for the next year. In limited cases, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you move or lose other coverage.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may also switch during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment window from January 1 to March 31.

FAQs About AEP

What Changes Can I Make During AEP?

You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and you can join, drop, or change Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans. These changes are only allowed during the AEP.

When Do Changes Take Effect?

Any plan changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Do I Have to Act If I Want to Keep My Current Plan?

No. If you take no action, your plan typically automatically renews. But it’s important to review your plan to see if costs or coverage will change.

Does AEP Apply to Medigap Policies?

No. Medigap (supplemental insurance) has separate enrollment rules and isn’t part of AEP. As long as you pay your premiums, your Medigap policy typically continues.

Where Can I Compare Plans?

You can use the official Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare your options and review plan costs, covered drugs, and plan ratings in your area.

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Colonial Penn is an insurance company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or Medicare. Colonial Penn does not offer Medicare plans. The information provided relates to general insurance matters. Insurers and their representatives cannot give tax or legal advice. This article is for general educational purposes related to insurance. Seek personalized advice from qualified tax or legal advisors.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice. For specific Medicare questions, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048).We strive for accuracy but make no guarantees. Policies and regulations can change. Verify information with authoritative sources and consult professionals where necessary.