Do I need to do anything for Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Question

Sarah Rollins · Accepted Answer

I always advise my clients to review their doctors and medications against their plan if they want to verify coverage. If you have any questions, contact your Broker/Agent.

As a courtesy to your Broker/Agent (they are processing 100s or 1000s of clients during AEP), if you are happy with your current plan for next year, drop them a line and let them know. They also will probably want you to update your Scope of Appointment with you so they can legally reach out to you during the year.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi. Thanks for watching. So my name is Steve. I'm the husband, half of the husband and wife Medicare team here in Arizona. Sue is off today. The question that we're looking at today is, do I need to do anything for the annual enrollment period, which is October 15th through December 7th?

Well, first of all, you should have gotten something from the plan you're on. I should have gotten what's called an ANOC, or annual notice of change. The company that you're with now, the insurance company, the carrier has to, by law, send you an ANOC notification, typically towards the end of September.

What that does is it shows you what your plan coverage is this year and what it's going to be covering next year. You can look at them side by side. What you should do with that is talk to your agent, see if it makes more sense to go to a different carrier, a different insurance company during the annual enrollment period, so you can have better benefits. Maybe it covers your providers better, your medications, whatever that looks like. But talk to your agent, your independent agent, and hopefully about this.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

No, If you are happy with your current plan.  Be sure you find out what changes are being changed every year.   Every year changes are made by plans due to changes made by Medicare.

Norman Smith · Answer

This is the time to make decisions, and depending on what you do, move forward with the proper Health Care plan that can carry you for the rest of your life, without the worry of an Underwriter denying you for any reason.

So even if you decide to continue to work, you will want to go to Medicare and accept your Part "A" coverage. There will be no cost, and if you continue with your employer's plan, this will only serve as a Premium Free Back-up plan for any hospital experiences.

Next, if you decide to work again, you will need to defer the Part "B" and the Part "D" if your Medical plan is sufficient and has a Drug plan. 

But what if you are stepping away or have already retired? What do you do there? My recommendation is to find a quality agent and sit and learn about the Medicare options available for you. You will need to file for both your "A" and "B" Medicare. 

You may keep Original Medicare, add a Med Supp or Medigap plan, or forfeit your Original Medicare and take a Medicare Advantage Plan. 

But be careful, as the changes for 2026 may make the MA plan seem very easy to take, but may not satisfy all your needs.

Christy Jones · Answer

The Annual Enrollment Period is when you can see what changes are being made to your stand alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or your Medicare Advantage plan for the following calendar year. These plans have changes every calendar year. AEP is the opportunity for you to see those changes and make sure those plans still fit your medical and prescription needs for the following calendar year.  Some of the important changes to note are whether your doctors are still in the network and make sure that your prescriptions are still on the plan specific formulary. If you are not happy with your plan then I
AEP is your opportunity to make changes.

Michelle de Guzman · Answer

It is important that you review your Annual Notice of Change each year and verify that your doctors and your medicaitons are still available on your plan. Any co-pay cost changes will be noted in the Annual Notice of Change. This is your chance to shop for lower price medication copays and to switch plans if your doctor is no longer in the network.

Answered by Michelle de Guzman on April 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Michelle de Guzman Medicare Insurance Agent

Melissa Foster · Answer

I always advise Medicare beneficiaries to do an annual review to make sure they’re in the best possible position moving to the next year. Just because it was the best plan for you this year doesn’t mean it will automatically be the best plan next year.

Answered by Melissa Foster on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AL, AR & 9 other states

Answered by Melissa Foster Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Bullock · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan this is the time of year you'll want to review your options. Make sure to include your doctors, practices, facilities, and prescriptions when weighing your options. Not only do your peronal requirements change, but the plans change also. It's easy to just let plans roll over but changes may have occured you are not familiar with. Be sure to always reach out to your agent to guarantee tou are in the best position for the upcoming year.

Answered by Patrick Bullock on April 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL, NJ & VA

Answered by Patrick Bullock Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Cooper · Answer

Insurance/Medicare can be a stressful thing to deal with... AND... this is NOT an "Ostrich + Head In Sand" moment.  

Plan benefits are shifting around every year... and this year, more than usual.  

Now... if you're like most folks, the effort required in "Learning everything you need to know..." is WAY more than you desire to invest.  
Solution?  Easy!
Find an Independent Broker... who has more than 5 Carrier/Insurance Company options to choose from... and if your Gut APPROVES of them... let them know what benefits are most Important to you (Part B Give Back, Dental/Vision/Hearing/Doctor Network, etc.)... and let THEM do the work for you.

In Summary:
A Good Agent is there to Help you... NOT Sell you a policy.  And their services cost you $0*.  

*If they're charging you a fee for their services.... RUN!

Sam Duffield · Answer

If you are happy with your coverage, you don't have to do anything during AEP unless your coverage is changing or terminating. Health needs and prescriptions can change from year to year, so it's never a bad idea to review your coverage during AEP.

Answered by Sam Duffield on February 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in AL, CO, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Sam Duffield Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

If you are satisfied with the plan you have and that plan is renewing there isn’t anything you need to do. It may be a good idea to review plans for the coming year in case there is a potential new plan to serve you better.

Answered by Steve Houchens on September 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Tretola · Answer

Short answer is no, however, you SHOULD review your Plan for the coming year, especially if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Doctors often drop out of certain networks an dr Plans change. It give everyone an opportunity to review and make a change, if it makes sense. As a Broker, I strongly recommend doing this.

Answered by Jim Tretola on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, CA, CT & 6 other states

Answered by Jim Tretola Medicare Insurance Agent

Kristen Skinner · Answer

Yes. If you are wanting to change your plan . This is the time when you can enroll in a PDP plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. If you do not want to change your plan you do not need to do anything at this time.

Answered by Kristen Skinner on October 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Kristen Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Frank Carta · Answer

That is an intelligent question, and I would like to text you the answer, but I am not very good

at texting. You do have the option to contact me if you choose, and I would be honored to

communicate with you if you do. Who knows, we might just have a valuable conversation.

Jason Vallejos · Answer

It's always a good idea to conduct an annual review of coverge with your agent. Changes are happening so you should be aware of what's coming for 2026.

Paul Wyatt · Answer

Annual Enrollment is the most important time of the year for Medicare enrollees. This is the time you will want to review your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan for the coming year as this will be the only open enrollment time of the year for both products without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period. Some of the changes you will see from year to year are premium increases, drug formulary changes, plan area reductions, plan eliminations, doctor network changes, copay increases, etc. There are many changes that you want to review just to be sure that the plan you are on will be the best option for next year. You don't want to be on a plan that has a drastic increase in price or decrease in coverage when a similar plan can be found for a better price or more benefits.

Answered by Paul Wyatt on May 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN, KY & MS

Answered by Paul Wyatt Medicare Insurance Agent

Dina Todd · Answer

During AEP, you should review your current plan, doctors and prescriptions you take. Make sure your doctors are staying in network with your current plan. I would also look at other carriers to see if there is better coverage options available. Other than that, if you are happy with your current plan, then there is nothing you really need to do. If you work with a Medicare broker that is appointed with multiple carriers, they can look over everything for you and guide you in a beneficial decision.

Answered by Dina Todd on November 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dina Todd Medicare Insurance Agent

Nicholas Ryckert · Answer

Look for notices from you Insurance Company about plan changes. Insurance companies are required to send Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) documents to you in late Sept and early October that outline changes to your plan. If you are not happy with the changes you will need to seek help to find another plan. If you have a reputable agent they should be contacting you. If not ... seek help using sites like this.

Answered by Nicholas Ryckert on February 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 16 other states

Answered by Nicholas Ryckert Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

During the Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), review your coverage, compare plans for doctors and prescriptions, and enroll or make changes so new coverage starts January 1.

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Absolutely you need to do something! You need to carefully read the ANOC (Annual Notice of Change) that you will receive by the end of September. Further, if any of your Rx's are brand names, you need to check their Rx formulary after Oct 1st, when it will be available online. Then decide, depending on any changes, if you want to change your plan.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on September 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

You don't have to do anything during AEP if you're happy with your current Medicare plan - it will renew automatically. But it's smart to review your plan each year, because costs and benefits can change. AEP is your chance to switch plans, add or drop drug coverage, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Pat Papson · Answer

Hello

Best advice is to contact your agent, if you don't have a local Agent you can contact the Nedicare Hub for a local Agent 

I don't recommend some of these TV 800# since it's best to find one who services your area.

Hop this helps..

Adam Ernst · Answer

If you are happy with your plan, you do not have to do anything. Make sure your plan is going to continue into the next year starting 1/1. Contact your agent you worked with or the company you have a plan with to ensure you are covered the same way or find out if there are different benefits added to the plan.

Answered by Adam Ernst on February 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN

Answered by Adam Ernst Medicare Insurance Agent

Lillian Hill · Answer

AEP is the once‑a‑year window for anyone with a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) or a stand‑alone Part D drug plan to look at what they have and decide whether it still fits. It’s not a requirement to change. It’s simply the period when changes are allowed.
Most seniors only need to act if something in their plan, health, or medications has shifted. Think of this as a time to go Medicare shopping, should you choose.

🦉

Nora Alishahi · Answer

Make sure your existing plan works for you or changes happening for 2026, if there are things that are not working for you or you want to add, AEP is the best time

Tameeka Johnson · Answer

Hello, That's a great question. It depends. There are plan changes that occur each year that may or may not affect the benefits offered in your previous year's plan. It's always good to take a look each year to see where you stand. This way you can be ahead of any surprises in cost or coverages

Answered by Tameeka Johnson on November 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, FL, NC & NJ, NY, SC & TX

Answered by Tameeka Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Brittany Morris · Answer

Usually during AEP anyone on a Medicare Advantage plan can review their current coverage and compare it to the coverage available for the upcoming year. It’s also always great time to review your prescription coverage as this can change from year to year. AEP is also the time when someone can return to original Medicare. If you choose not to review plans during AEP, your current plan will send you information for the upcoming year automatically.

Answered by Brittany Morris on December 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in LA

Answered by Brittany Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Joni Kattau · Answer

If you are on a Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, you should take the opportunity during AEP to review your plan options for the following plan year. Plans change every year as does your health. I equate MedAd and PDP plans to home and auto insurance and should be shopped every year.

Answered by Joni Kattau on February 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX & AZ

Answered by Joni Kattau Medicare Insurance Agent

Pedro Rodriguez · Answer

English 
65+ and AEP is here… do you need to do anything? Yes  — the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) is your chance to check if your plan still fits.  Review your drug list, costs, and coverage — if it doesn’t work, switch now so you’re set for next year. 

 Español 
 ¿65+ y llegó el Período Anual de Inscripción (AEP)… tienes que hacer algo? Sí — del 15 de oct al 7 de dic es tu oportunidad de revisar si tu plan todavía te conviene. Verifica tu lista de medicinas, costos y cobertura — si no encaja, cámbialo ahora y aseguras tu próximo año.

Sterling Warmack · Answer

For annual moment you will simply need your Medicare card and/or number, you will need a list of your medications you're currently taking, and a list of your primary care physician, specialists, dentists, and Vision providers.

All of these are required for your representative to ensure they have you on a plan that will cover all of your medications and doctors.

If you are looking for someone to help you navigate your options this annual enrollment. And you live in the upstate of South Carolina contact me now to schedule your appointment.

 Appointments must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance and an email will need to be provided to book an appointment.

Aaron Lewis · Answer

AEP starts on October 15th and continues till December 7th . It is always good to review your plans to see what the changes will be for the upcoming year. During AEP you might want to compare your program to the other companies plans to see what the best program will be for you in the up and coming year AEP is when you and change your Prescription Drug plan (part D ) or your Medicare Advantage plan.

Answered by Aaron Lewis on December 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ

Answered by Aaron Lewis Medicare Insurance Agent

Skye Edwards · Answer

Yes. Always, Always Always, review your current plan info and compare it to the other plans that are available. Plans change every year and it is imperative that you review your plan so that you are not stuck on something that isn't good for you anymore.

Answered by Skye Edwards on September 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Skye Edwards Medicare Insurance Agent

Jerry Naylor · Answer

Yes. I always encourage clients to review their plan to ensure that it still meets their needs. If that is not the case, then explore other options that may better meet your needs and change accordingly. You may also seek assistance from licensed brokers for assistance.

Answered by Jerry Naylor on December 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC & VA

Answered by Jerry Naylor Medicare Insurance Agent

Anatoli Korosidis · Answer

Yes, you should review and compare plans every year, to ensure that your current plan will continue to be the best options or to make a change if there is a better alternative, based on your individual healthcare needs.

Answered by Anatoli Korosidis on October 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL, NC, RI & TX

Answered by Anatoli Korosidis Medicare Insurance Agent

Monique Bascle · Answer

Yes — it’s important to complete a no-cost review during the Annual Enrollment Period. What worked for you last year may not be the best fit for your needs this year.

Joseph Cianchetti · Answer

“If you're satisfied and happy with your Medicare plan, you don’t need to do anything during the Annual Enrollment Period ( AEP ). Your coverage will automatically renew. I’m happy to review your plan if you would like.
Thanks

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Do I need to do anything for Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

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Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

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A non-government resource website