What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the main time each year when you can make changes to your health and prescription drug coverage. It is your chance to review your current plan and switch to one that better fits your needs for the coming year.

Medicare can feel like a lot to handle, but finding the right plan doesn’t have to be a chore. We are here to make the process simple and stress-free.

Important AEP Dates: When does AEP start?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Any changes you make during this time will begin on January 1 of the following year. Because this window is less than eight weeks long, it is important to review your options early.

Why is the annual enrollment period important?

Many people let their Medicare plan auto-renew without looking at it. This can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies can—and often do—change their costs, benefits, and provider networks every year.

By taking a few minutes to compare plans during AEP, you can:

• Avoid Surprises: Make sure your favorite doctors and local pharmacies are still in your plan’s network.

• Save Money: Check if there is a new plan in your area with a lower monthly premium.

• Check Your Meds: Ensure your specific prescriptions are still covered at the lowest possible price.

• Get Extra Perks: Look for plans that may offer new benefits, such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage.
  
  
  

Explore Our Medicare Enrollment Resources

If you missed AEP or have specific questions about other times to sign up, these guides can help:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP): Learn what to do if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Find out if a big life change, like moving or retiring, lets you change plans mid-year.

• General Enrollment Period (GEP): See your options if you missed your first chance to sign up for Medicare.

• How to Read Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): A simple guide to the important letter your insurance company sends you every September.

Trusted by Millions: Why choose SelectQuote?

At SelectQuote, we put your needs first. We represent many of the nation’s trusted insurance carriers, giving you more choices in one place.

• Proven Experience: We have helped over 6 million* customers find the right insurance coverage.

• Top Ratings: We are proud to maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

• Access to Trusted Carriers: We work with a network of nationally recognized carriers to find the best plans for your situation.  

• Real Results: 

  •  "SelectQuote made it so easy. I was worried about my heart medication costs, and my agent found a plan that saved me over $50 a month!" – Mary R., Satisfied Customer

  • "Professional, kind, and patient. They explained everything in a way I could actually understand." – James L., Satisfied Customer

*In 2023, an additional 3,433,470 and in 2024, 3,326,444 unique callers contacted SelectQuote, to inquire about Medicare plans. "Unique callers" are the total number of unique individuals who called the Medicare Helpline, powered by SelectQuote. Of those callers, 695,454 in 2023 and 718,984 in 2024 were sold, at minimum, one policy.