When is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (also known as ‘The Annual Election Period’ or AEP)?

The Medicare AEP is October 15 - December 7, 2016. Plan changes during this time period will not take effect until January 1, 2017.

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription drug plans (Part D) make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

What can I do during AEP?

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to different Medicare Advantage plan.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t include drug coverage to one that does, and vice versa.
Join a Medicare prescription drug plan.
Switch from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another one.
Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage.

How do people know if they need to change plans?

People in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan should always review the materials their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are changing, they should make sure their plans will still meet their needs for the following year. If they’re satisfied that their current plans will meet their needs for next year and it’s still being offered, they don’t need to do anything.

Where to go for Help?

https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx

Or, talk to an experienced Medicare Insurance agent in your area.