What Dates Reflect the Annual Election Period (AEP)?
Navigate Medicare's Annual Election Period. Discover the essential window to adjust your health and drug coverage for the coming year.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older, as well as some younger people with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Understanding the specific periods when changes can be made to coverage is important for beneficiaries. These opportunities occur during defined enrollment windows throughout the year, allowing individuals to review and adjust their health care plans.
What is the Annual Election Period?
The Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare is a specific timeframe each year when beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans. This period is sometimes referred to as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Beneficiaries can compare their existing plan with other available options for the upcoming calendar year.
Key Dates for AEP
The Annual Election Period consistently runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. These dates mark the precise window during which beneficiaries can actively make changes to their Medicare plans. Any modifications or new enrollments made within this period become effective on January 1st of the following year.
What You Can Do During AEP
During the Annual Election Period, beneficiaries have several options to adjust their Medicare coverage. Individuals with Original Medicare can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan, which often includes additional benefits beyond Parts A and B. Conversely, those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can opt to switch back to Original Medicare. Beneficiaries also have the flexibility to change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
This period also allows for significant changes related to prescription drug coverage. Individuals can enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, switch from one Part D plan to another, or even choose to drop their Part D coverage entirely.
Other Important Medicare Enrollment Periods
Beyond the Annual Election Period, other specific times allow for Medicare enrollment or changes. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window around an individual’s 65th birthday, starting three months before their birth month and ending three months after. This is typically the first opportunity to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. This period is for individuals who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage for those who enroll during the GEP typically begins the month after signing up.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are available under specific life events, such as moving, losing other health coverage, or other qualifying circumstances. These periods allow individuals to make changes outside of the standard enrollment windows. SEPs provide flexibility for unexpected situations that impact health coverage needs.