What Should You Know About the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
Decisions made during this window will determine your health coverage for the upcoming year.
September 29, 2025
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs every year from October 15 through December 7. This is an important time for both current Medicare beneficiaries and people new to Medicare. Decisions made during this window will determine your health coverage for the upcoming year.
What is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period allows Medicare beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage. During this time, you can:
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Enroll in or change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Why Current Medicare Beneficiaries Should Pay Attention:
If you already have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your insurance carrier in the fall. The ANOC outlines all the changes to your plan for the coming year, such as:
Premiums, copays, and deductibles.
Benefits and extra services like dental, vision, or hearing coverage.
Provider networks, including which doctors and hospitals are in-network.
The drug formulary, which lists covered prescriptions and cost tiers.
It is critical to review this document carefully. Even small changes, like a new copay for a specialist or a prescription moving to a higher cost tier, can significantly impact your budget.
Why the Annual Enrollment Period Matters for People New to Medicare:
If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, the Annual Enrollment Period gives you the opportunity to compare plans and select coverage that best fits your needs.
You can evaluate Medicare Advantage plans that may offer extra benefits, or you can choose a stand-alone Part D plan if you are staying with Original Medicare.
Steps Everyone Should Take During AEP:
Review your Annual Notice of Change if you are already enrolled.
Compare your plan’s updated costs and benefits with other available options.
Check to make sure your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are still in-network.
Confirm that your prescriptions are covered and affordable under your plan.
Explore new plan options if your current coverage no longer meets your needs.
Bottom Line
The Annual Enrollment Period is your once-a-year opportunity to make sure your Medicare coverage works for you. Taking the time to review your options now can save money and help you avoid surprises in the year ahead.
Need help reviewing your Medicare plan or exploring new options? Call Stellar Health Benefits today. Our licensed agents will guide you through the process and make sure you are confident about your coverage for the year ahead.