Frequently Asked Questions
AEP has started — what exactly can I change?
During AEP (October 15–December 7), you can: join a Medicare Advantage plan, switch between Medicare Advantage plans, drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan), join a Medicare Part D drug plan, switch between Part D drug plans, or drop your Part D drug plan. You cannot: change your Medigap supplement plan through AEP (Medigap has its own enrollment rules), change Medicare Parts A or B coverage, or make changes effective before January 1, 2027.
I enrolled in a new plan but changed my mind. Can I switch again?
Yes — you can change your Medicare plan enrollment multiple times during AEP through December 7. If you enrolled in Plan A on October 17 and later find Plan B is better, enrolling in Plan B cancels Plan A automatically. Your most recent enrollment is what takes effect January 1. After December 7, you can only change during a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.
My premium went up significantly. Do I have to switch?
No — but you should run a Medicare Plan Finder comparison before deciding to stay. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare, enter all your medications, and sort by total estimated annual cost. A significant premium increase may be offset by lower drug costs in the same plan — or there may be a better alternative. Staying in your current plan is perfectly valid if it remains competitive for your specific medications and doctors.
Can I use a Medicare broker to help me?
Yes — licensed Medicare insurance brokers compare multiple plans and help you enroll at no cost to you. Brokers are compensated by insurance companies, which creates a potential incentive to recommend plans with higher commissions. For unbiased comparison, use your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org — SHIP counselors are volunteers or government employees with no financial stake in which plan you choose.
What if I miss the December 7 AEP deadline?
If you miss December 7 without making changes, your current plan continues automatically with its 2027 changes. You cannot make plan changes until next AEP (October 15, 2027) unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — triggered by moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, your plan leaving Medicare, or other specific life events.
I want to keep my current plan. Do I need to do anything?
No action is required to keep your current plan — it continues automatically. However, you should review your Annual Notice of Change to understand what's changing in your plan for 2027, and run a quick Plan Finder comparison to confirm you're still in the lowest-cost option for your specific medications. Many seniors discover a better plan by running this annual comparison even when they plan to stay.
AEP is now open — October 15 through December 7. These are the questions seniors most commonly ask during this critical window. Whether you're switching plans, evaluating your current coverage, or enrolling for the first time, this FAQ addresses the situations that come up most.
What AEP Allows You to Change
AEP is specifically for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D drug plans. It does not govern Medigap supplement plans — those have their own enrollment rules tied to your Part B enrollment date. During AEP you can switch between plan types (Original Medicare to Advantage or vice versa), switch between Advantage plans, or switch Part D plans — all effective January 1, 2027.
Most Common AEP Mistakes
Mistake 1: Choosing by Premium Alone
A $0 premium plan is not free — copays, coinsurance, and prior authorization costs can make it the most expensive choice for your specific healthcare use. Always compare by total estimated annual cost using Medicare Plan Finder with your actual medications entered.
Mistake 2: Not Checking Your Specific Drugs
A plan that "covers diabetes medications" doesn't tell you whether it covers your specific insulin at what tier. Enter every medication by exact name in Plan Finder. A drug on Tier 1 in one plan may be Tier 4 in another — a difference of hundreds of dollars annually.
Mistake 3: Not Verifying Doctors Are In-Network
Medicare Advantage online provider directories are often outdated. Before enrolling, call your doctors' offices directly and ask: "Are you accepting [plan name] for 2027?" Don't rely on the plan's website alone.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Star Ratings
CMS rates every plan 1–5 stars based on quality metrics. Plans below 3 stars have documented quality problems. Filter Medicare Plan Finder to show only 4+ star plans before comparing costs. A 3-star plan's lower premium may reflect lower quality care, not just lower cost.
Mistake 5: Waiting Until December
Enrollment systems can become congested in late November and early December. Incomplete enrollments or last-minute issues can leave you without coverage or in the wrong plan. Complete your enrollment by November 30 when possible.
How to Actually Enroll
Three ways to enroll: Online at medicare.gov/plan-compare — click Enroll on your chosen plan. Phone — call 1-800-MEDICARE (24/7) or call the plan directly. In person — visit your local Social Security office or a licensed insurance broker. Enrolling in a new plan automatically cancels your previous plan — you do not need to separately disenroll.
After Enrolling
You will receive a confirmation from Medicare (if enrolled online) or the plan. Your new member card arrives within 2–4 weeks. Verify your enrollment at MyMedicare.gov within a week. Notify your pharmacy of your new plan before January 1 so they're prepared to process claims under the new coverage.
- Sort Plan Finder by total annual cost — not premium
- Call your doctors to verify in-network status — don't trust online directories alone
- Filter to 4+ star plans before comparing costs
- Complete enrollment by November 30 — don't wait until December
- Notify your pharmacy of your new plan before January 1
→ AEP Enrollment — Step by Step
→ How to Use Medicare Plan Finder
→ Missed AEP? SEP Options