Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is officially open, running October 15 through December 7. If you've been putting off a decision about your 2027 coverage, this is the window to make it.
What AEP Actually Covers
AEP is the yearly period when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) [1][2]. It's the main opportunity most people get each year to change this type of coverage. Any changes made during AEP take effect January 1 [1][2].
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are not tied to AEP and can generally be reviewed or changed at any time of year, subject to underwriting in most states [1]. If Medigap is your coverage, AEP is still a useful seasonal reminder to check in on your overall coverage picture.
What You Can Do During AEP
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare [1]
Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another [1]
Join, switch, or drop a stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan [1]
Move from a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to one without, or vice versa [1]
What Does Auto-Renewal Mean
Auto-renewal means you'll keep your current plan next year even if it's changed in ways that no longer fit your health needs or budget. Doing nothing during AEP isn't necessarily wrong, but it should be a decision, not a default.
Key Dates
October 15 – December 7: AEP is open. You can make changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage [1][2].
January 1: Any changes made during AEP take effect [1][2].
SGIA Can Help
SGIA Medicare Consulting specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD), and stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans. Whether AEP applies directly to your coverage or not, we can help you look at the full picture.
Visit sgiamedicare.com/schedule-appointment or call 888-284-3314 to reserve your time. We Make Medicare Simple.
Sources
Medicare.gov, "Joining a Plan" — medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan
CMS.gov, "Medicare Open Enrollment" — cms.hhs.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/medicare-open-enrollment-partner-resources
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