Betty Jo is the owner/broker at Seabrook Senior Health Insurance
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) - What is it???
Many struggle to understand the Fall Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) or Open Enrollment for Medicare. I have put together some information about this very important time in your healthcare coverage. I hope this helps!
Remember: you can always call or email me with any questions.
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Fall Open Enrollment
Fall Open Enrollment begins October 15th and runs through December 7th every year. It is also referred to as AEP or your Annual Election Period.
These changes include adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare carrier. Even if you are happy with your current coverage, this is the time to review your plan and compare it with any new options available.
Everyone should take this opportunity to ensure that their current coverage will meet their needs in the coming year.
During AEP, Medicare recipients can change their health and drug plans. They review costs, coverage, and providers and pharmacies in their networks and, if needed, make changes for the following year to better meet their needs.
how many changes can I make?
You can make as many changes as you need to your coverage during AEP.
Let's take a closer look at what is included in the changes you can make.
Here are the changes you can make during AEP
-
Join a NEW Medicare Advantage Plan
-
Join a NEW Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
-
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
-
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)
Important things to consider
BEFORE
changing plans
-
Your access to health care providers you want to see
-
Your access to preferred pharmacies
-
Your access to the benefits and services you need
-
The total cost for
-
Insurance Premiums
-
Insurance Deductables
-
Cost-Sharing amounts
-
Be sure to read your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or your
Evidence of Coverage (EOC).
Review these notices for changes in:
-
The plan's cost
-
The plan's benefits and coverage rules
-
The plan's formulary (the list of drugs your plan covers)
IF YOU HAVE A
medicare advantage
- OR -
a
stand-alone
part d Plan
IF YOU HAVE
original
medicare
Visit www.medicare.gov or read the 2025 Medicare & You handbook to learn about Medicare's benefits for the upcoming year. You should review any increases to Original Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-insurance changes
The "Medicare & You" handbook is mailed to all Medicare households each fall - usually in late September. It is FULL of important information! You can sign up to get your copy by clicking here to Log into - or create - your secure Medicare account.
I highly recommend holding on to this handbook as a reference guide.
What to consider regarding
your prescriptions
Ensure your drugs will still be covered next year, and your providers and pharmacies are still in the plan’s network.
If you are unhappy with any of your plan’s changes, you can enroll in a new plan.
If you would like assistance reviewing your options, contact
Betty Jo Miller at Seabrook Senior Health Insurance for your FREE, personalized, in-person, phone or Zoom consultation.