Medicare AEP Countdown
From October 15 through December 7 each year, anyone on Medicare can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. If you miss it, you generally wait until the next year. See where things stand today.
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 every year. During it, anyone already on Medicare can switch Medicare Advantage plans, join or switch a Part D drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect January 1. The countdown below is calculated from today's date.
Where AEP Stands Today
AEP Opens
AEP Closes
New Coverage Starts
What you can change. AEP is the one period each year when all of these are open to everyone on Medicare:
- switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- moving from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or back
- joining, switching or dropping a Part D prescription drug plan
Every change starts January 1, whether you make it on October 16 or December 6. If you change your mind, the last choice you submit by December 7 is the one that counts.
What to check before December 7.
- Read your plan's Annual Notice of Change, which plans mail by September 30. Look at the drug list and provider network as well as the premium.
- Enter your medications and pharmacy in the Plan Finder at medicare.gov and compare total yearly cost.
- Confirm that your doctors will be in the plan's network next year.
For 2027, the Part D deductible can be up to $700 and the out-of-pocket cap is $2,400. Our Annual Enrollment Period guide has the other 2027 figures.
AEP and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period are different. The second one runs January 1 through March 31. It is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan, and it allows one switch, to another Medicare Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare.
If you miss AEP. You generally wait until the next October. The exceptions are the January to March period for people in Medicare Advantage, and a Special Enrollment Period after an event such as moving out of your plan's service area or losing other creditable coverage.
If you are satisfied with your plan and the Annual Notice of Change shows nothing that affects you, you do not have to do anything. Your plan renews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
It is the period from October 15 through December 7 each year when anyone already on Medicare can switch Medicare Advantage plans, join or switch a Part D drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
What can I actually change during AEP?
You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or back, and join, switch or drop a Part D prescription drug plan.
Is AEP the same as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
No. AEP (October 15 to December 7) is open to anyone on Medicare and allows all of the changes above. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan and allows one switch.
What happens if I miss AEP?
You generally wait for the next AEP. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events.
When does coverage from an AEP change actually start?
January 1 of the following year, whichever day between October 15 and December 7 you make the change.
The dates shown are the standard national Medicare AEP dates (October 15 to December 7), calculated from your device's local date. This tool does not take account of your enrollment history or plan deadlines. If you are not sure which enrollment period applies to you, use our Medicare Enrollment Period Finder or contact a SHIP counselor for free help.