When is a good time to start preparing for AEP?

Question

Michael Andrews · Accepted Answer

The new Medicare plans become available for general public knowledge October 1st but no applications can be submitted until October 15th. I think a great time to start preparing for AEP would be in September just to make sure plans are in place, however, at the very least start October 1st.

Answered by Michael Andrews on June 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Michael Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

When you receive the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), get ready for enrollment after 
October 15th through to December 7th.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/when-is-a-good-time-to-start-preparing-for-aep#steve-brauer

Mark Bilgere · Answer

There is no specific date to start preparing. You should should looking for a letter from your current Medicare Advantage plan starting in August. This is when the carriers start sending out you Annual Notice of Change letter (ANOC). 

The ANOC letter will tell you if, and how, your current plan will change, starting January 1st of the next year. Because all plans don't settle on their changes at the same time they send their letters on different dates however they must be delivered by September 30th. Agents and brokers are not permitted to discuss the new plans until October 1st.

The annual Enrollment Period starts on October 15th.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

That would be October 1st, a period called Pre AEP. New plan info will be out for consumer consumption and of course, AEP plan changes begin on October 15 and run through December 7 for a January 1 start date.  

Lt Col Tim Brown 
Agent / Broker 
Contact me.
I’m in 13 states.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

The AEP period runs from Oct 15 to Dec 7. Medicare books will be sent out before then and the Medicare.Gov website will be updated on 10/01/25 with the new 2026 plan offerings. You can discuss Medicare supplements year around, but Part C and Part D are limited to AEP unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. It doesn't hurt to get an appointment booked now for a date on or after 10/15 with a local agent to ensure you don't fall through cracks during the busy fall AEP/Holiday period.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on July 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

Insurance agents are not allowed to discuss the new products for the AEP till October 15th, so generally speaking you should call your agent between October 15th and December 7th if you want to make changes to your plan.

Answered by George Ibanez on March 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in AR, AL, AZ & 40 other states

Answered by George Ibanez Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Wheeler · Answer

October 15 th begins 
sign up for AEP so now is a good time to research and review the plans that are available in your area.
What are your needs, what are your expectations?
What plans does your doctor except?
So when you do decide to speak with a medicare agent you will be prepared.

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

Start reading and preparing late September or early October. Agents are allowed to tell you about the new plans coming for the next year starting 10/01 but cannot submit an application until 10/15. I hope this helps.

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF on June 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, GA, IN, KY & TN

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray McCauley · Answer

by October 1, you would have received your annual notice of change. I would call the last week of September to your agent and be on the books for after October 15 to discuss any plan changes.

Edward MacConnell · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/when-is-a-good-time-to-start-preparing-for-aep#edward-macconnell

Steven Whetstine · Answer

It is a very good question and there are various timelines to follow.

Periodically, you can check mainstream media to identify what changes are happening in the healthcare industry.  Mainstream media may leak information or make announcements based on what insurance carriers may release on their own news releases.  

If you have a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan, you can get ahead of the curve.  Medicare Beneficiaries have anniversaries at different times of the year.  You do not have to wait for annual enrollment period to change a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan.

Agents usually can only start certifying in late June and it can take independent agents several months to certify for the new annual enrollment period as insurance carriers have different release dates for agents to complete certification requirements for that carrier.  

Annual Notice of Changes (The Insurance Industry calls it ANOC for short) usually comes out in September.  Please make note of all of the changes that will take place January 1st should you decide to keep your current plan.  

One thing that is important is making sure all of your information such you keep a list updated of you current doctors and specialists, as well as all of your medications (Make sure to make note of exact name of prescription as it could be a brand name or generic), the dose, and frequency you take your prescriptions as well as preferred pharmacy or pharmacies.  Some agents have different resources that can share with you to update this information and some even update the information on Medicare.gov.

From October 1st - October 14th, Medicare agents or brokers can review the upcoming year's plans with you.  However, please note that Medicare agents or brokers cannot make any changes until the official Annual Enrollment Period begins.  Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th - December 7th of each year.  Any changes will take place on January 1st.

Carly Cusack · Answer

If you’re already on a Medicare Advantage plan, once you get your current plan’s ANOC. Otherwise, October 1st is a good time to start.

Michelle Sparks · Answer

Right now is a great time to start preparing for AEP. Having a good understanding of your current plan's benefits, and conducting a review of any health changes you have had in the past year, are important first steps. Once you understand your plan, and have identified any gaps in coverage or service with your current carrier/plan, it is a good idea to reach out to a broker. A Medicare Broker will be able to educate you on all plans available to you in your zip code and do an in-depth discovery with you to ensure that you enroll in the best possible plan for your healthcare needs in 2026. Carriers can make annual changes to their plan benefits and they also change prescription drug coverage, so it is a best practice to work with a broker that will do this review for you every year at this time. Open season begins October 15th and ends December 7th. Perfect timing to discover what plan will work best for you in 2026. Reach out to a local broker soon! Thanks for reaching out... great question!

Answered by Michelle Sparks on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS, AR, FL, MO & TX

Answered by Michelle Sparks Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitzi Davis · Answer

You should be contacted from your Agent or Broker in September each year to get ready for AEP. If you haven't heard from your agent or broker you might want to reach out to them.

Ron Kaemmerer · Answer

October 1st is the first day I can talk about benefits for the next year so I would always say then. If you haven’t done so then right now is your best time!

Robert Reed · Answer

The optimal time to prepare for AEP is between 30 and 90 days before October. From an agent perspective, they must prepare for retail locations and sales events to advertise for those events.

Jillian Bellinger-Laing · Answer

None of the information for the following year is released until October 1st. Agents are not even allowed to discuss the AEP plans until then. So, October 1st would be the earliest you can start your research. Medicare.gov also updates their information for the following year at the same time.

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on March 31, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing Medicare Insurance Agent

JP Richardson · Answer

Preparing for AEP in very important. You should have an updated list of all of your doctors and all of your current medications ready by October 1. This is when the plans for the next year are released and details are available. You should also schedule an appointment with your Broker/Agent for sometime after October 1 as soon as they are scheduling. I would reach out some time in September to get on their calendar.

Answered by JP Richardson on September 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CO & 10 other states

Answered by JP Richardson Medicare Insurance Agent

Amber Sigg · Answer

A good time to start preparing for (AEP) or Annual Enrollment Period is late August/September. This allows you to review your current coverage what you currently like and dislike about it. You can also look for any upcoming changes from your current plan, compare new options, and gather medications or provider lists, this helps with not having to rush through the process of renewal after the October 15th start date.

Answered by Amber Sigg on December 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO & WY

Answered by Amber Sigg Medicare Insurance Agent

Stuart Graham · Answer

It should be on your radar when you receive your Annual Notice of Changes in the mail in late September.

However, companies don't release all their plan details until October 1st—even to agents! This means that the first week of October, companies are getting all of the links and Summary of Benefits live, and the agents are devouring them to figure out all the details.

Doing some preliminary research in the first week of October is okay, but you'll likely get the best info after the 7th of October and afterward.

Doreen Barnes · Answer

Your current Insurance carrier will send out your plans Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30th. Once you receive the ANOC you should review it and write down any questions that you may have. You can start preparing as early as October 1st and can enroll in a plan beginning October 15th through December 7th. It is best not to wait until the last days of the annual election period so that you are not rushed into making a decision.

Answered by Doreen Barnes on December 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Doreen Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

When you receive your annual of changes. Usually in late September or Early October.  The notice will advise you of any plan changes you may have.

Walt Smith · Answer

You should be in your contact with your broker on a October one. He is not allowed to discuss anything about AEP with you until then. You still have plenty of time to go everything in detail to see if you need to make any changes during AEP. Your broker will want to review the medicines. You’re taking any changes and Dr. you’re seeing. And answer all your questions.

Answered by Walt Smith on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ, NY, PA & VA

Answered by Walt Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

A good time to start preparing for the Medicate annual enrollment period is when you receive your annual notice of change letter from your plan carrier which highlights changes in copays, benefits, and other coverages for the upcoming year. Once you are aware of the changes you can decide if you need or want to compare what other plan carriers are offering in order to decide if you'd like to make a change during AEP. If you are working with a broker you could contact that agent on October 1st to start discussions. Enrollments cannot be done until October 15th. Any plan changes we'll go into effect January 1st.

Answered by Deb Haley on August 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Deb Haley Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeffrey Barone · Answer

A good time to start thinking about AEP is early September. You should call your agent and have him/her schedule a meeting after 10/1. Obviously, your broker should be in contact with you through out the year to address any issues you may have.

Answered by Jeffrey Barone on September 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in RI, CT, FL, MA, NH & NY

Answered by Jeffrey Barone Medicare Insurance Agent

Shawn Ray · Answer

A good time to start preparing for AEP is around August-September. That gives you plenty of time to review your current coverage, note any health or prescription changes, and be ready to compare plans before October 15 arrives.

Answered by Shawn Ray on February 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT, AL, AZ & 21 other states

Answered by Shawn Ray Medicare Insurance Agent

Clare Goyette · Answer

I begin AEP planning in July.  Last year I sent a postcard for pre-planning, this year I will utilize Constant  Contact for AEP updates, then send each client a letter the first week of Sept.

Justin Fox · Answer

The best time in my opinion is October 15th. It gives you time to review what you had last year and how it worked for your overall coverage. It gives you plenty of preparation time to review changes, assess your current needs, and compare all the options in your area, that way you won't rush to a decision. 

Using the information, make a checklist. If you have changed your rx, if you see a different provider, etc. Then use that to look at all the options available to you. It helps to have an experienced agent to help you.

Elea Sherrod · Answer

Start preparing for AEP in September or early October. Gather your medications, doctors and what you like in a plan so that you can discuss with your agent. There are a lot of plans that are not renewing so it is important to know what you want in a plan.

Answered by Elea Sherrod on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 35 other states

Answered by Elea Sherrod Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) officially runs from October 15th to December 7th each year, but successful agents start preparing much earlier. To maximize productivity, begin preparing in July or August, ensuring you complete contracting and certifications before October 15th. This allows ample time to study plan details, strategize, and be ready to effectively serve clients during the busy enrollment period. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
July - September:
Carriers release their certification courses for selling Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. This is the time to get your certifications and contracting completed. 
August - October:
Carriers release information about next year's plans. Use this time to analyze the new plans, understand the changes, and develop your selling strategy. 
October 15th - December 7th:
The AEP itself. This is when beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage. 
After AEP (December 8th onwards):
Reflect on the AEP, analyze what worked well and what could be improved for future years. 
By starting your preparation early, you can avoid the last-minute rush and be better prepared to assist your clients during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

is now, in June, even though the official period doesn't begin until October 15th. This allows for ample time to complete certifications, organize your business, and develop a strong marketing strategy.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Depends on how long it takes you to get organized the information you need. So typically we need to know what plan you currently have, what interest you have, whether advantage plan or supplement plan and a list of your prescription drugs that you take and doctors that you see 
So maybe a week or two depending on how focused you are

Mary Brown · Answer

Preparing late August through September allows you time to review your current Medicare plan, benefits and to make a list of your medications, doctors, and healthcare needs for the coming year.

Todd Bostic · Answer

October 1 you might start hearing from your current agent, but you can’t start enrolling until October 15.

Brent Mowery · Answer

Depending on the amount of research needed, you might begin 60-90 days prior to AEP, which runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. You can select a plan to begin January 1st of the following year

Answered by Brent Mowery on September 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, CO, NC & TX

Answered by Brent Mowery Medicare Insurance Agent

Andre Cabral · Answer

AEP starts on Oct/15, so the sooner you contact a licensed agent to have an assessment of your current situation and your needs, the better. Any change you decide to make can only be accomplished during the AEP, but you can plan it in advance, for it will be a hectic seven weeks then.

Answered by Andre Cabral on August 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ

Answered by Andre Cabral Medicare Insurance Agent

Judi Norton · Answer

Questions about the new plans for the following year can be answered on or after October 1 of each year, but no application can be summited, if you are making a change, until October 15 of each year. Preparation depends on what you are wanting to prepare for during AEP?

Answered by Judi Norton on July 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in NM

Answered by Judi Norton Medicare Insurance Agent

Tammam Tayara · Answer

It’s smart to start preparing for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) a couple of months before it begins on October 15. Use this time to review your current coverage, make a list of your medications and providers, and compare upcoming plan changes. Early preparation ensures you can make confident, informed choices without feeling rushed.

Answered by Tammam Tayara on September 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, NM, OR & TX

Answered by Tammam Tayara Medicare Insurance Agent

Holt Rushing · Answer

Always. Need to be prepping year round with people you couldn't help as well as those you can. Make sure to be keeping notes on them also.

Eric Jensen · Answer

A good time to start preparing for AEP would be around mid-September- beginning of October range.

Starting around mid-September, be on the lookout for the Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) that your current insurance carrier may send you in the mail that would point out any upcoming changes to your coverage that you would need to be aware of. 

Starting October 1st, you can compare your current plan for 2026 against other available options.... then you'll have from October 15 to December 7 to officially make any switches or make adjustments to your plans.

Bill Holland · Answer

Covered Members should start preparing August/ September when they receive their        (ANOC) Annual Notice of Change Letters from their Current Carrier. 
Your Current Broker can only address any questions about your ANOC Letter                             prior to October 1st.  

Another good Tool is to pick up the new  "Medicare and You Book" for the coming year.    Current Medicare enrollees will have this book mailed to them.
Your local Social Security Office will also have copies of these Books.

If you be a first time enroller, Find a broker and start asking general questions about how             Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D plans work.                                                  Brokers cannot get into the New Plan Specifics until October 1st 

Remember AEP enrollments are for plans with an effective for January 1 of the Coming Year              
not the current Year

Jonathan DuPree · Answer

I would say early August or even September if you're going to be ready by October. It's best to have a Great Medicare plan in place and Also a smart health Agent to handle your policies. So you don't have to worry about that every year after year. I'm always available. Jonathan DuPree

Answered by Jonathan DuPree on September 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Jonathan DuPree Medicare Insurance Agent

Shaneathia Armstrong · Answer

I usually tell folks the best time to start preparing for AEP is late summer, around August. That way you’ll have plenty of time to get your schedule set, update any materials, and make sure everything is ready before things get busy in October. Some people like to do a little light prep in July, but August is when most of the real planning kicks off.

Answered by Shaneathia Armstrong on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, FL, KY, MI & NC

Answered by Shaneathia Armstrong Medicare Insurance Agent

Shannon Brenneke · Answer

After October 1st you can view the 2026 plan designs, to shop and compare options.  Prior to that time you could gather your prescription and doctor lists so you have them ready in October.

David Alelishvili · Answer

Thank you for your question.

The best time to start preparing for AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) is now through September. This gives us time to:

Review your current coverage and any changes in your health or medications

Discuss your needs and budget

Prepare for plan updates that have taken effect in 2025

AEP runs from October 15 to December 7, which is when you can officially enroll or make changes for 2026 coverage.

For 2026 Medicare Advantage plan details, insurance companies can start sharing general information in late summer or early fall of 2025, but official marketing and plan reviews for 2026 will begin October 1, 2025.

Having a good agent is valuable because I compare multiple plans from different insurance companies to find what best fits your needs – at no cost to you. I’m here to make the process easy, clear, and fully compliant.

Yadira Son · Answer

I usually tell people to start getting ready a little before the fall, around August or early September. That way, you’re not scrambling when AEP starts on October 15. It gives you time to look over your current plan, double-check your medications and doctors, and think about whether anything might need to change for next year — nice and easy, no rush.

Answered by Yadira Son on February 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Yadira Son Medicare Insurance Agent

Howell Silverman · Answer

Details of plans for 2027 become available for review in early October (10th). 

Check with a trusted broker to understand your options or investigate it yourself. Using a broker can make the complicated world more clear.


To prepare yourself for evaluating 2027 plans, you should have a good idea of what services you used from doctors, hospitals and pharmacies during the past year. Taking into account your expected health changes for 2027 - particularly if you already know of any major conditions or potential hospital stays that could take place in 2027. That will help you evaluate your options.

Christie Adcock · Answer

I would recommend watching for your ANOC (annual notice of change) to come in the mail around September. This will be your first indication of what changes are happening and whether you need to prepare to make any changes. Of course, meeting with an agent who can advise on what the upcoming changes will be is always helpful!

Answered by Christie Adcock on April 17, 2026

Agent Licensed in IN, AL, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Christie Adcock Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Neal · Answer

Agents can begin talking about benefits 10/1 and make changes 10/15-12/7. I would reach out to an agent beforehand in order to set up a time on their calendar.

Scott Bjelke · Answer

There is a short window with AEP. the best time to prepare is now!! The Annual notice of Change letter is mailed September 30th. When you get the letter it is very important to review the changes to your current plan. Be sure to review your doctor networks your prescriptions and your benefits. Make sure they are all still in network and covered. Then review other carriers and plans in your area.

Answered by Scott Bjelke on November 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV

Answered by Scott Bjelke Medicare Insurance Agent

When is a good time to start preparing for AEP?

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When is a good time to start preparing for AEP?

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