When it happens
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes you make during AEP generally take effect on January 1.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Help in Spokane
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. It is a good time to review your prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, premiums, copays, and any plan changes — whether or not you decide to switch.
No-cost consultation. No pressure. Local Spokane guidance.
The Annual Enrollment Period in plain language
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the yearly window when most Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage. Here are the basics in plain English.
What you can do
During AEP you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, and you can join, switch, or drop a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. You can also return to Original Medicare.
What it is not
AEP is different from your Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible for Medicare, and it is different from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). It also does not change Medicare Supplement underwriting rules.
What to review during AEP
Reviewing the items below each year can help you understand what changed before those changes affect your prescriptions, doctors, pharmacy costs, or out-of-pocket expenses.
Prescriptions
Formularies, drug tiers, prior authorization, and step therapy rules can change each plan year. Reviewing your medication list is one of the most important AEP steps.
Doctors and hospitals
Provider networks for Medicare Advantage plans can change. Confirming whether your doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network helps avoid surprises.
Pharmacies
Preferred and standard pharmacy networks can shift. Your usual pharmacy may have different pricing on a different plan, or you may want to compare options nearby.
Premiums and copays
Monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums can all change with a new plan year. AEP is a good time to look at the numbers.
Extra benefits
Dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter, transportation, and other supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans can be updated, expanded, or reduced.
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
If you are in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your carrier sends an Annual Notice of Change describing what is changing for the next plan year. It is a useful starting point.
Important reminder
Not everyone needs to change plans each year. The goal of an AEP review is to understand what is changing and whether your current coverage still fits your needs. We do not guarantee any savings or outcome from changing plans.
What to have ready
A short checklist makes the conversation easier and helps a local licensed agent review your AEP options with you.
For more on prescriptions and drug coverage, see our prescription drug review and Medicare Part D pages.
Your current Medicare Advantage, Supplement, or Part D plan information
Your prescription list with dosages
Your preferred pharmacy
Doctors, specialists, and hospitals you want to keep
Your most recent Annual Notice of Change
Questions about premiums, copays, and benefit changes
How an AEP review works
A simple, step-by-step process that keeps things calm and easy to follow before the December 7 deadline.
Step 1
Share your current coverage and any Annual Notice of Change
Step 2
Review prescriptions, doctors, and pharmacy preferences
Step 3
Compare options from the plans we represent
Step 4
Talk through any change before your AEP enrollment
Request AEP help in Spokane
Tell us a few details and a local licensed agent with Health Insurance Options LLC will follow up to review your prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and options from the plans we represent.
No-cost consultation
Request help online or call 509-353-0476. If you prefer to meet in person or by phone, visit our contact page.
Medicare Annual Enrollment FAQ
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes generally take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Do I have to change plans during Annual Enrollment?
No. Not everyone needs to change plans each year. Sometimes staying where you are may make sense. The point of an annual review is to understand what is changing for the next plan year and make an informed decision.
What is the difference between AEP and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) lets you join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D plan. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) lets people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan make a one-time change. They are separate windows with different rules set by Medicare.
Can you help me review my Part D prescription drug plan during AEP?
Yes. We can review your prescriptions, your preferred pharmacy, and the Part D and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans we represent so you can see how your medications may be covered next year. See our Part D and prescription drug review pages for more detail.
Is there a cost for an AEP review?
No. Consultations with our local licensed independent insurance agency are no-cost and no-obligation. We explain your current coverage and the options from the plans we represent so you can decide what fits your situation.
Related Spokane Medicare pages
Continue reviewing your Medicare options with these related Spokane resources.
Annual Medicare Plan Review
Walk through prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, premiums, copays, and benefit changes with a local licensed agent.
Visit page →Prescription Drug Review
Bring your medication list to compare how prescriptions and pharmacies may be covered.
Visit page →Medicare Part D
Learn how Medicare prescription drug coverage works and what to look at each year.
Visit page →Compare Medicare Options
See an overview of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, and other coverage paths.
Visit page →Contact Our Spokane Office
Schedule an in-person or phone consultation with a local licensed insurance agent.
Visit page →