The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time each year when people with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. Whether you plan to keep your current coverage or compare other Medicare plan options, AEP gives you the opportunity to make changes each fall. Learn when AEP takes place, who can use it and what changes you may be able to make.
What do I need to know about the Medicare AEP?
Each year, the Medicare AEP gives people with Medicare the opportunity to review their coverage for the coming year. Because plan costs, benefits, provider networks and prescription drug coverage can change from year to year, it’s important to compare your options before making a decision.
Here are a few important things to know about AEP:
- AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.
- Coverage changes generally take effect on January 1 of the following year.
- Review how your plan is changing for the next plan year. If your current plan still meets your needs, you may choose to keep it.
When is the Medicare AEP?
To enroll in a Medicare plan during AEP, you must enroll by December 7.
Reviewing your coverage early gives you more time to compare plans and make a decision.
What can I do during AEP?
During AEP, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. The options available to you depend on your current Medicare coverage.
During AEP, you may be able to:
- Switch from Original Medicare to an Aetna® Medicare Advantage plan if you have Medicare Parts A and B and meet the plan's enrollment requirements.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan.
- Return to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan. If you do, you may also be able to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- Join, switch or drop a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you have Original Medicare.
- Choose a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan that combines Medicare health and prescription drug coverage in one plan, if one is available where you live.
Before making a change, compare each plan's costs, provider network, prescription drug coverage and benefits. Also check whether your prescriptions are covered and whether your pharmacy is in the plan's network.
Who is eligible for the Medicare AEP?
AEP is for people who already have Medicare coverage, whether they are enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. If your current coverage no longer meets your needs, AEP gives you the opportunity to make eligible changes to your Medicare coverage. Unlike a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), AEP does not require a qualifying life event. You must still meet the eligibility requirements for the plan you choose.
There are other Medicare enrollment periods for people who are just turning 65 and are new to Medicare, and for people who are experiencing a qualifying life change.
How do I choose the right Medicare coverage during AEP?
Start by thinking about the care, prescriptions and benefits you expect to use next year.
Review your current plan and compare it with other plans available where you live. As you compare plans, consider the following.
Review your current Medicare coverage
- Review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for full details about your plan’s coverage and rules.
- Think about whether your current plan still meets your health care and prescription drug needs.
- Check whether the benefits or services you use will remain available.
Compare costs, benefits and provider networks
Compare each plan’s:
- Monthly premium
- Deductibles, copayments and coinsurance
- Any yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs
- In-network doctors, specialists and hospitals
- Added benefits and services
- Coverage when you travel or spend time away from home
Check your prescription drug coverage
For each plan, check:
- Whether the drug list includes each prescription you take
- Whether your pharmacy is in the plan's network
- Whether the plan has coverage requirements, such as prior authorization or quantity limits for certain prescription drugs
- Whether your prescriptions have any coverage restrictions that could affect how you receive them
How to compare Aetna® Medicare plan options
- Enter your ZIP code below to compare Aetna® Medicare plans available in your area.
- You can review plan costs, benefits, prescription drug coverage and provider networks.
- Already an Aetna® Medicare member? Log in to review your plan or contact Aetna® Medicare Member Services.
- Shopping for a new Medicare plan? Talk with a licensed Aetna® Medicare agent at 1-855-335-1407 (TTY: 711), ${hours}.
Ready to shop Aetna Medicare plans?
Enter your ZIP code to find Aetna Medicare plans in your area. Compare benefits, costs and drug coverage and see if your providers are in our network.
Common questions about Medicare AEP
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No. AEP is not the same as the Medicare Advantage OEP. The Medicare Advantage OEP runs from January 1 through March 31 and is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
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Changes made during AEP generally take effect on January 1.
After your enrollment is confirmed, your plan will send information about your coverage, including when your coverage begins, how to use your benefits and your member ID card.
Review these materials before you begin using your new coverage.
If your member ID card has not arrived by the time your coverage begins, follow your plan's instructions for getting care or filling prescriptions. -
Yes. As long as AEP is still open, you can make another plan selection. In general, the last enrollment request you make during AEP is the one that takes effect. After AEP ends, you generally need to wait for another enrollment period before changing your coverage.
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In most cases, you must wait for another enrollment period before changing your Medicare coverage.
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can use the Medicare Advantage OEP from January 1 through March 31 to make one allowed change.
You could also qualify for a SEP after certain life events or changes in your coverage.
