AEP 2026 Runs October 15 – December 7
AEP 2026 is here.
Is your Medicare plan still the right fit?
Medicare AEP 2026 runs October 15 through December 7, 2026 — the annual window when people with Medicare can make enrollment changes allowed for their circumstances, including switching Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Premiums, provider networks, formularies, and benefits may change for Plan Year 2027. A free review before December 7, 2026 can help you compare costs and check whether plans our agency offers include your doctors and medications.
⏰ AEP 2026 Deadline: December 7, 2026 — Plan Year 2027 changes take effect January 1, 2027
Ready to review your plan?
Walk through our full AEP 2026 review guide and checklist, then schedule your free AEP review — start at /aep-2026.
Why review every year
6 reasons your Medicare coverage deserves a second look this AEP
Drug coverage can change January 1
Your medication's tier, restrictions, or pharmacy terms may change for the new plan year. Check the plan's current formulary and pharmacy network before enrolling.
Your doctor's network status may change
Plans renegotiate provider contracts each year. Your current physician may not be in-network under the same plan in 2027.
New plans are available every year
Carriers add and modify plans annually. The best option for your situation this year may not have existed last year.
Your plan's star rating may have changed
CMS updates plan star ratings each year. Review the current rating and what it means alongside the plan's network, costs, and coverage.
2027 Part D costs are changing
For 2027, CMS finalized a $2,400 out-of-pocket threshold and a maximum defined-standard deductible of $700. Your plan’s premium, formulary, and cost sharing still vary.
You haven't reviewed with an agent this year
A licensed agent can compare the plans our agency offers in your area against your prescriptions and providers. It takes about 30 minutes and costs you nothing.
For Plan Year 2027, CMS finalized a maximum defined-standard Part D deductible of $700 and an annual out-of-pocket threshold of $2,400. Individual plan premiums, formularies, and cost sharing vary. Source: CMS 2027 Rate Announcement.
How it works
Your free AEP review — 3 steps, 30 minutes
Book a free review
Choose phone, video, or an in-person meeting. In-person options include your home, the Wilmington office, either Oak Street Health location in Fayetteville, or another public meeting place.
We review your current coverage
Have your plan card and medication list ready. We check what's changing in your plan for 2027.
We compare plans available through our agency
Review plans our agency offers in your area against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We do not offer every plan available.
What to have ready: Your Medicare card, a list of your current medications (name + dosage), and the name of your primary care doctor and any specialists you see regularly.
Book your review
Schedule your free Medicare plan review
Choose phone, video, or an in-person meeting. In-person options include your home, the Wilmington office, either Oak Street Health location in Fayetteville, or another public meeting place. Select your appointment type, meeting method, and location on the shared calendar. AEP deadline: December 7, 2026.
Choose an appointment and time →Questions
About the free AEP review
When is Medicare AEP 2026?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP 2026) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. People with Medicare may make enrollment changes allowed for their circumstances during this window, including changing Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage.
When do AEP changes take effect?
Any changes you make during AEP 2026 take effect January 1, 2027 — that's the start of Plan Year 2027. CMS set the 2027 Part D defined-standard deductible at up to $700 and the annual out-of-pocket threshold at $2,400; individual plan premiums and cost sharing vary.
Can I change from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during AEP?
Yes. During AEP, you can generally leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and may join a standalone Part D plan, subject to eligibility and enrollment rules.
How long does a Medicare review take?
A review with Kayla Price typically takes 30–45 minutes. You can choose phone or video, or meet in person at your home, the Wilmington office, either Oak Street Health location in Fayetteville, or another public meeting place.
Is the Medicare review really free?
Yes. As a licensed insurance agent, Kayla Price is compensated by the insurance carrier when you enroll in a plan — never by you. There is no charge for the consultation, whether you switch plans or not.
More Medicare resources
- Medicare Advantage plans
Compare Part C options by county and carrier.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
- Part D drug plans
Find the right formulary for your prescriptions.
- About Kayla Price
Licensed independent Medicare agent, 10 states.
- 5 Mistakes to Avoid During AEP 2026
Common missteps to watch for before December 7.
- What to Review Every AEP
An evergreen checklist for your annual coverage review.
TPMO Disclosure: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For informational purposes only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed insurance agent and confirm details at Medicare.gov. NPN: 18530055. Agency NPN: 20387435.
Reviewed by Kayla Price
Licensed Insurance Agent | NPN: 18530055
Licensed in NC, SC, GA, FL, VA, MD, MI, KS, TX, OH
Last reviewed: October 23, 2026