Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) 2026
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the most important 7-week window in Medicare. Every year from October 15 through December 7, millions of Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes that will take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Why Is AEP So Important?
Your health needs change. Medications change. Doctor networks change. Costs change. Annual Enrollment Period is your guaranteed opportunity to ensure your Medicare coverage still fits your life—without medical underwriting, without penalties, and with the freedom to switch between plan types, carriers, and coverage levels. If you are still weighingMedicare Advantage vs. Original Medicareor want a closer look atMedigap options, AEP is when those decisions matter most.
During AEP, you can make virtually any change to your Medicare coverage: switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare (or vice versa), change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, or even apply for Medigap coverage (though medical underwriting applies for Medigap). These changes aren't available during most of the year, which is why planning ahead and reviewing your options during this window is crucial. If your prescriptions are driving the decision, review yourPart D plan choicesbefore you make a switch.
Missing the December 7 deadline means you're typically locked into your current coverage until the next AEP—unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. That's why we recommend starting your review in October, giving yourself ample time to compare plans, check drug formularies, verify doctor networks, and make an informed decision without the pressure of a looming deadline. If you still need to confirm your enrollment windows, use ourMedicare timeline toolor review thefull enrollment checklist.
Watch: Medicare Annual Enrollment Explained
Learn when AEP takes place, what changes you can make, and why acting before the deadline is essential.
Your AEP Timeline: Key Dates for 2026-2027
AEP Begins
October 15
First day to make changes to your Medicare coverage
Review Period
October - November
Compare plans, review medications, check doctor networks
Last Day to Enroll
December 7
Final deadline to submit enrollment changes
Coverage Begins
January 1
Your new Medicare coverage takes effect
What Changes Can You Make During AEP?
Annual Enrollment Period is the most flexible time to adjust your Medicare coverage. Here's everything you're allowed to change.
Change MA Plan to MA Plan
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
Examples:
- •Find a plan with better drug coverage
- •Switch to a plan with your doctors in-network
- •Get better vision or dental benefits
Change Medigap to Medigap
Switch from one Medicare Supplement plan to another Medigap plan
Examples:
- •Move to a lower-cost plan with the same benefits
- •Change carriers for better pricing
- •No medical underwriting required for same or lesser benefits
Change Medigap to MA Plan
Leave your Medigap plan and join a Medicare Advantage plan
Examples:
- •Get prescription drug coverage included
- •Add dental and vision benefits
- •Lower monthly premiums
Change PDP to PDP
Switch from one Part D prescription drug plan to another
Examples:
- •Find better coverage for your specific medications
- •Reduce out-of-pocket drug costs
- •Get a plan with preferred pharmacy network
Change PDP to MA Plan
Drop standalone Part D and join a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage
Examples:
- •Combine medical and drug coverage in one plan
- •Simplify with a single monthly premium
- •Get additional benefits like dental and vision
Change MA to Medigap (with underwriting)
Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan
Examples:
- •Get nationwide doctor access
- •Eliminate provider networks
- •Note: Medical underwriting required - health conditions may affect approval or pricing
Compare Medicare Plans in Your Area
Use our interactive plan comparison tool to see all available Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in your ZIP code. Enter your medications to see exact costs and compare benefits side-by-side.
Interactive Plan Finder
- Compare all Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in your area
- Enter your medications to see exact drug costs
- Check if your doctors are in-network
- Calculate total annual costs including premiums and copays
Free, unbiased comparison of all plans available in your area
Need Help Understanding Your Results?
The plan finder shows you data, but choosing the right plan requires understanding your unique situation. We'll help you interpret the results and explain which plan truly fits your needs—no cost, no obligation.
Find Your City's AEP Guide
Get city-specific Medicare Annual Enrollment Period guidance for your Alabama community. Each page includes local information, available plans, and personalized support.
Showing 100 of 486 Alabama cities
4 Common AEP Mistakes That Cost Thousands
Every year, we see seniors make the same costly mistakes during Annual Enrollment. Here's what to avoid—and what to do instead.
❌ Mistake:
Waiting Until December 7
💸 Consequence:
Plans can fill up, and you may rush into a poor decision
✓ Solution:
Start reviewing plans in October to give yourself time to compare
❌ Mistake:
Not Checking Drug Formularies
💸 Consequence:
Your medications may not be covered or may cost significantly more
✓ Solution:
Use the plan finder to verify your exact medications are covered
❌ Mistake:
Ignoring Network Changes
💸 Consequence:
Your doctor may no longer be in-network next year
✓ Solution:
Call your doctors' offices to confirm they'll accept your plan in 2026
❌ Mistake:
Focusing Only on Premium
💸 Consequence:
A $0 premium plan may have high copays that cost you more overall
✓ Solution:
Calculate total annual costs including deductibles, copays, and drug costs
Don't Navigate AEP Alone
Our licensed advisors know how to help you avoid these pitfalls and find the best plan for your unique situation.
Helpful AEP Resources
IRMAA Calculator
See if you'll pay higher Medicare premiums based on your income
Enrollment Timeline
Calculate your Medicare enrollment dates based on your birthday
MA vs Original Medicare
Understand the key differences between your options
Enrollment Checklist
Review the step-by-step checklist to avoid missing deadlines and penalties
Medicare Enrollment Calendar 2026-2027
Missing a Medicare deadline can mean waiting months to enroll or paying permanent penalties. Here are all the key enrollment periods you need to know.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
PRIORITYThe main enrollment window for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1.
Who Can Enroll:
- •Anyone currently on Medicare
- •Switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
- •Change Part D prescription drug plans
- •Add or drop coverage
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare.
Who Can Enroll:
- •Current Medicare Advantage enrollees only
- •Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan
- •Drop Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare + Part D
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
PRIORITYYour first chance to enroll in Medicare. Missing this window can result in permanent late penalties.
Who Can Enroll:
- •People turning 65
- •Those who qualify due to disability after 24 months
- •3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may qualify outside standard enrollment periods if you move, lose employer coverage, qualify for Extra Help, or meet other criteria.
Who Can Enroll:
- •Recent movers to a new service area
- •Loss of employer or union coverage
- •Medicaid or Extra Help qualification
- •5-star plan special enrollment (Dec 8 - Nov 30)
Not Sure Which Period Applies to You?
Enrollment periods can be confusing, and enrolling during the wrong window—or missing one entirely—can cost you thousands in penalties or force you to wait months for coverage. We'll help you identify exactly when you're eligible to enroll and ensure you don't miss critical deadlines.
Last updated: December 2025. Medicare enrollment periods and rules are subject to change. This information is for educational purposes only. Always verify current deadlines with Medicare.gov or a licensed agent.
Medicare Open Enrollment FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare, enrollment periods, and coverage options.
Still have questions?
Our Medicare experts are here to help you understand your options and make the best decision for your healthcare needs.
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