Medicare Annual Enrollment Period provides window for coverage reviews

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7, with changes taking effect on January 1. This period is a critical window for seniors to review their health and prescription drug coverage to prepare for upcoming shifts, including rising Part B premiums and a redesigned Part D structure for 2027.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to identify updates to costs, benefits, or service areas. Key steps for evaluation include verifying that specific medications remain on the plan’s formulary, confirming that preferred doctors and pharmacies are still in-network, and comparing total annual costs—such as deductibles and copays—rather than focusing solely on monthly premiums.

Missing the AEP limits subsequent options for broad coverage changes. While the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows for a single plan switch between January 1 and March 31, it is only available to those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.