Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Runs October 15-December 7 for Medicare Advantage Plans

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is sometimes called the Annual Election Period, runs from October 15 to December 7. During this period, Medicare-eligible individuals can pick a Medicare plan or make changes to their current coverage.

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combine Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor/medical coverage), into one plan and often includes additional benefits and features.

For example, many plans will wrap in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and may include other benefits not covered under Original Medicare like routine dental care, eye and hearing exams or fitness programs.

For most people, changes made during AEP take effect on January 1.