AEP 2026 opens October 15 and closes December 7. During this window you can switch Medicare plans, join or drop Part D coverage, and change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or back. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Not sure where to start? Book a free AEP plan review and we’ll walk through your options together.
What Is AEP?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is an annual opportunity for people with Medicare to make the Medicare Advantage and Part D changes permitted for their circumstances. You do not need a separate qualifying life event to make a change allowed during AEP, but eligibility and enrollment rules still apply. It’s separate from your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65 and from the shorter Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), which only lets existing Medicare Advantage members make one additional switch.
What Can You Change During AEP 2026?
During AEP you can:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Join a Part D prescription drug plan for the first time
- Switch from one Part D plan to another
- Drop Part D coverage entirely (though this can trigger a late enrollment penalty later — see our Part D penalty calculator)
AEP does not change Medigap enrollment rules — Medigap has its own underwriting timelines outside AEP.
What Should You Review Before AEP?
Plans can change their premiums, provider networks, and drug formularies every year, even if you don’t touch anything. Before AEP opens, it’s worth checking:
- Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter — plans mail this every September; read it before AEP starts
- Your drug formulary — has your plan moved any of your prescriptions to a higher cost tier?
- Your provider network — is your doctor still in-network for 2027?
- Your total annual cost — not just the premium, but expected copays and coinsurance
- Your IRMAA bracket — if your income changed, check our IRMAA calculator to see if your Part B premium is affected
AEP 2026 Checklist
- Gather your current plan’s ANOC letter and your medication list
- Confirm your doctors and preferred hospital are still in-network for 2027
- Check your prescriptions against each plan’s formulary and cost tier
- Compare total annual cost across available plans, not premium alone
- Confirm your enrollment before December 7 — changes take effect January 1, 2027
What If You Miss AEP?
If you miss AEP, you generally have to wait for the next enrollment opportunity — either the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31, and only if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify for one (such as moving out of your plan’s service area). Missing your window to add Part D coverage can also mean a permanent late enrollment penalty — see our Part D penalty calculator to estimate the cost.
How to Get Help During AEP
A licensed agent can review plans our agency offers in your area against your doctors, medications, and budget. We do not offer every plan available; use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for a complete view of options. Book a free AEP plan review before December 7, or explore our free Medicare resources hub for guides and calculators you can use on your own first.
When is Medicare AEP 2026?
AEP 2026 runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Any changes made during this window take effect January 1, 2027.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during AEP?
Yes. During AEP, you can generally leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and may join a standalone Part D plan, subject to eligibility and enrollment rules.
Do I have to do anything during AEP if I’m happy with my current plan?
Not necessarily, but it’s worth reviewing your ANOC letter each year — plans can change premiums, networks, and formularies even if you don’t make any changes yourself.
What happens if I don’t enroll in Part D and don’t have other creditable drug coverage?
You may face a permanent late enrollment penalty when you do eventually enroll. Use our Part D penalty calculator to estimate what that penalty could look like.
Is there a cost to review my Medicare options with an agent during AEP?
No. A licensed agent is compensated by the insurance carrier when you enroll in a plan, never by you — a plan review consultation is free either way.
Informational purposes only. This article is for general education and reflects 2026 Medicare figures; it is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Kayla Price is a licensed insurance agent (NPN 18530055) with Price Services Group, LLC, an independent agency not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for a complete view of all your options.