Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enroll in a new Medicare plan during AEP?
AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) runs October 15 through December 7 each year. You can usually start comparing 2027 plans in early October, enroll starting October 15, and keep enrolling through December 7. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. You cannot enroll before October 15 — the enrollment system won't accept it — but you should research and prepare before October 15 so you're ready to act immediately when it opens.
How do I actually switch Medicare plans during AEP?
The simplest method: go to Medicare.gov Plan Finder, enter your drugs and doctors, compare total annual cost, and click Enroll for your chosen plan. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (24/7), call the plan directly, or use a licensed Medicare broker. When you enroll in a new plan, your old plan is automatically cancelled — you don't need to separately disenroll from your current plan.
What happens if I enroll in a new plan during AEP and then change my mind?
You can change your plan multiple times during AEP — the most recent enrollment wins. If you enrolled in Plan A on October 20 and then enroll in Plan B on November 5, Plan B is what takes effect January 1. After December 7, you can only change plans during a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.
Do I need to do anything if I want to stay with my current plan?
No — if you do nothing during AEP, your current plan automatically continues on January 1 with whatever changes your plan made for the new year. You only need to take action if you want to switch plans. However, reviewing your Annual Notice of Change to understand what's changing in your current plan is always worthwhile.
How do I know if my new plan is confirmed after enrolling?
After enrolling, you'll receive a confirmation from Medicare (if you enrolled online) or from the plan. Within 2–4 weeks of enrollment, you'll receive your new plan's member ID card by mail. Check Medicare.gov to verify the enrollment is reflected in your account. Your new plan's coverage begins January 1, 2027.
AEP opens October 15 — the most important deadline in Medicare. Whether you're switching plans, adding drug coverage, or simply confirming you're in the right plan, this step-by-step guide walks you through the exact process from start to finish.
October 15: AEP opens — enrollment system activates
December 7: AEP closes — last day to make changes
January 1, 2027: All AEP changes take effect
Before October 15 — Prepare Now
You cannot enroll before October 15, but preparation before that date makes the process fast and accurate.
- Medication list: Every drug, exact dosage, quantity per month. This is the most critical input for an accurate cost comparison.
- Doctor list: All physicians and specialists you see regularly, including their names and practice names.
- Annual Notice of Change: Mailed by your plan in September. Note every change to your current plan for 2027.
- Your Medicare card: You'll need your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number to enroll online.
- Preferred pharmacy: Name and ZIP code — costs vary significantly between pharmacies.
Step 1 — Open Medicare Plan Finder on October 15
Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare starting October 15. Create an account or log in if you have one. Enter your ZIP code and select what you're looking for: Drug Plan only (Part D), Medicare Advantage + Drug (Part C+D), or Medigap.
Step 2 — Enter Your Medications
Enter every medication with exact dosage and monthly quantity. This step determines the accuracy of your cost comparison. Missing a medication — especially an expensive one — will produce misleading results. Take 10 minutes to enter this carefully.
Step 3 — Select Your Pharmacy
Enter your preferred pharmacy. Many plans have preferred and non-preferred pharmacy tiers — the same drug can cost $5 at a preferred pharmacy and $30 at a non-preferred pharmacy within the same plan. If you use mail order for maintenance medications, enter that as well.
Step 4 — Sort by Total Estimated Annual Cost
Change the sort order to "Lowest drug + premium cost" — not the default sort by premium. This total cost number includes your estimated annual drug expenses plus premium, calculated using your actual medication list. It is the only number that allows accurate comparison between plans.
Step 5 — Verify Your Top Choices
For your top 2–3 plans by total cost:
- Click into each plan and verify all your medications are covered at the tier shown
- Check for any coverage restrictions (prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limits)
- Confirm your doctors are in-network for Medicare Advantage plans
- Check the plan's star rating — aim for 4+ stars
Step 6 — Enroll
Click "Enroll" for your chosen plan directly in Medicare Plan Finder — this is the simplest method. Alternatively: call 1-800-MEDICARE (24/7), call the plan's member services directly, or work with a licensed Medicare insurance broker (free to you — brokers are compensated by insurers). You'll be asked for your Medicare number, address, and effective date preference.
Step 7 — Confirm and Watch for Your Card
After enrolling, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new plan's member ID card will arrive by mail within 2–4 weeks. Your new coverage begins January 1, 2027. Verify your enrollment at MyMedicare.gov within a week to ensure it's correctly reflected in your account.
- Prepare medication and doctor lists before October 15 — enrollment is faster with these ready
- Open Plan Finder on October 15 — don't wait until late November
- Sort by total annual cost, not monthly premium
- You can change your mind multiple times before December 7 — latest enrollment wins
- No action needed if you're staying with your current plan
→ Medicare Plan Finder Detailed Guide
→ What's Changing in 2027
→ How to Use Star Ratings