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What Changes Can You Make During Medicare’s Annual Election Period?

Posted by Robert Hart
Estimated Reading Time 1 minute 25 seconds

What Changes Can You Make During Medicare’s Annual Election Period?

Every fall, millions of Medicare beneficiaries face an important opportunity: the Annual Election Period (AEP). From October 15 through December 7, you can review, change, or update your Medicare coverage. Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, understanding this window is essential for making sure your healthcare coverage fits your needs and budget.

 

What Can You Do During AEP?

The Annual Enrollment Period allows you to:

  • Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
  • Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
  • Enroll in, drop, or switch a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, it’s a good idea to review your coverage. Insurance companies often update their plans, drug formularies, provider networks, and premiums each year. What worked for you in 2025 may not be the best fit in 2026.

 

Why It Matters

Choosing the right plan based on your needs can directly affect your healthcare access and your out-of-pocket costs. For example, a small change in prescription drug coverage could mean the difference in maximizing your budget. Similarly, reviewing Medicare Advantage networks ensures your preferred doctors and hospitals remain covered.

 

Tips for a Smooth Enrollment

Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): This document, mailed by your plan, outlines any changes for the coming year.

Review options: Look at monthly costs, deductibles, copays, and prescription drug lists. Seek professional guidance with a licensed insurance agent: Medicare rules can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

 

Take Action Now

The Annual Enrollment Period only lasts a few weeks, and once it closes, most people cannot make changes until the following year. Take this opportunity to ensure your plan works for you.

If you’d like free help reviewing your Medicare plan options, call our experienced licensed insurance brokers. We’ll guide you through your choices so you can feel confident about your coverage next year.

Robert Hart
Hart & Associates Insurance // bob.hart@live.com

Over the last twenty years as an insurance agency owner (now retired) I have helped families throughout Michigan with their personal insurance needs. When turning 65 myself and transitioning to Medicare, I saw how confusing it can be. Loving to help people and not wanting to fully retire, I decided that I would now specialize in Medicare insurance plans. As an independent agent, I represent a great selection of healthcare insurance companies offering Medicare plans here in Michigan.

Medicare is certainly not one size fits all, I love helping other folks just like me. I take the time necessary to answer questions and address concerns so that my clients are well informed and comfortable in choosing the right plan. Be it Medicare Supplement, Advantage, and/or Prescription Drug plan.

With kids all grown now, I work from home, with Kimberly and our Chocolate Lab Jax. Winters we try to spend a little time in Florida or California with family and friends. During Michigan summers, we enjoy taking trips on our Harley Motorcycle, or attending car shows with our 1999 Miata 10th Anniversary convertible.

I look forward to working with you!

Get Free Medicare Assistance

A friendly, licensed professional is available to answer all of your questions. Call (586) 531-0501 or complete the form below and we’d be happy to reach out to you.


      By submitting this information, you acknowledge a licensed insurance agent, Robert Hart, may contact you by phone, email, or mail to discuss Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Prescription Drug Plans.

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