Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Dates

Mark your Medicare calendar: Oct 15 to Dec 7. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

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Quick answer

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year, including 2026, with changes effective January 1. During AEP you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. A separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1 to March 31.

Knowing the key Medicare enrollment dates keeps you from missing your yearly chance to adjust coverage. Here is the full calendar.

What are the key Medicare enrollment dates?

Three dates matter most. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year, when you can change Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage, effective January 1. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31, letting Advantage members switch plans or return to Original Medicare. The General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 for those who missed their initial Part B sign-up. Add your personal Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, and you have the full picture. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to plan around these dates.

Why review your plan every year during AEP?

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans change every year. Premiums rise or fall, drug formularies add or drop medications, provider networks shift, and copays change. A plan that was perfect this year may cost far more or stop covering a key drug next year. The Annual Enrollment Period is your built-in chance to catch these changes and switch before they cost you. Skipping the review often means overpaying. A licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP can compare your current plan against next year's options for free before December 7.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period dates?+

The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year, including 2026. Changes you make take effect January 1 of the following year. It is the main window to adjust Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to review.

Is the Annual Enrollment Period the same every year?+

Yes. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period consistently runs October 15 to December 7 every year. The separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31. Marking these recurring dates helps you never miss a chance to switch. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

What can I do during the Annual Enrollment Period?+

During AEP you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan. MEDIGAP changes are handled separately. A licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP can compare your options before the deadline.

What is the difference between AEP and the General Enrollment Period?+

AEP (October 15 to December 7) is for existing beneficiaries to change Advantage and Part D plans. The General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) is for people who missed their initial Part B sign-up. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to find which applies to you.

Do MEDIGAP plans follow the Annual Enrollment Period?+

No. Medicare Supplement (MEDIGAP) plans are not tied to the Annual Enrollment Period. You can apply to change MEDIGAP coverage anytime, though outside guaranteed-issue windows you may face medical underwriting. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to explore MEDIGAP options anytime.

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