- The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is the time each year during which people who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part D PDPs can make changes to their coverage. It runs from October 15 to December 7, and during this time, beneficiaries can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare, enroll in a Medicare Part D plan, or switch from one Medicare Part D plan to another.
- The Medicare AEP is important because it provides beneficiaries with an opportunity to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage if necessary. This allows beneficiaries to ensure that their coverage meets their current healthcare needs and that they are taking advantage of the best available options for their particular circumstances. Additionally, during AEP, beneficiaries can compare costs, coverage, and other important
factors when choosing or changing their Medicare coverage. Failing to make changes during the AEP could result in beneficiaries being stuck with coverage that is no longer suitable for their needs for an entire year, so it is an important period for beneficiaries to take advantage of.
