Annual Election Period (AEP)
What it is: The big, once-a-year window when most people make plan changes for the next year.
Who it’s for: Anyone with Medicare who wants to adjust Medicare Advantage (Part C) and/or Part D drug coverage for the coming year.
When it happens: October 15 to December 7 each year.
What you can do:
Join a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).
Switch Medicare Advantage plans.
Join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan.
Move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare (depending on your situation).
Big watch-out: AEP changes are generally for next year (effective January 1). It’s also the time to double-check provider networks, drug formularies, and plan rules like prior authorization—because those can change year to year.
Note:
Not every change is allowed in every situation; confirm what applies to your current coverage type.
Time Period
Annual fixed-date window
Approx Time Frame
54 days
Trigger Event
Annual window (no special trigger needed)