Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
AEP 2026: Review Your Medicare Coverage Before December 7
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the once-a-year window when anyone on Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage plan, switch their Part D prescription drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. AEP 2026 runs October 15 – December 7, 2026, and any changes you make take effect January 1, 2027 — the start of Plan Year 2027.
This window matters because plans reset annually: premiums, provider networks, drug formularies, and extra benefits can all change for Plan Year 2027, even if you don't touch a thing. It's worth a look if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, thinking about switching to or from Original Medicare, or noticed your Part D drug costs changed this year.
AEP 2026 is open now — 47 days left to enroll, through December 7, 2026.
The AEP 2026 Checklist
Ten steps to make sure your Medicare coverage still fits before the December 7 deadline.
Gather your current plan documents
Medicare card, current plan ID card, prescription list, and preferred doctors/hospitals.
Review your ANOC
Your Annual Notice of Change letter spells out what's different about your plan for Plan Year 2027.
Check if your doctors are still in-network
Provider networks are renegotiated every year and can change without much notice.
Review your prescriptions against the formulary
A drug's cost tier can shift even if it's still covered — check the tier, not just the listing.
Compare plan star ratings
CMS star ratings reflect quality and member satisfaction and are published each fall.
Check extra benefits
Dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and OTC allowances vary widely between plans and change year to year.
Review premium and out-of-pocket costs
Add premium, deductible, copays, and coinsurance together — the lowest premium isn't always the lowest total cost.
Consider whether Medigap makes more sense
If you're weighing Original Medicare with a Medigap plan against Medicare Advantage, AEP is a good time to compare.
Check Part D options if you're on Original Medicare
Standalone Part D plans change their formularies and pricing annually just like Medicare Advantage plans do.
Schedule a free review with Kayla
A licensed, independent agent can walk through all of the above with you in one call.
Why Review With Kayla
- Independent — Kayla isn't tied to one carrier and compares plans across the market.
- Licensed in 10 states — NC, SC, GA, FL, VA, MD, MI, KS, TX, and OH.
- Flexible meeting options — choose phone, video, your home, or our Wilmington office.
- No cost to you — licensed agents are compensated by the carrier, not the client.
- NPN 18530055
2027 Part D Cost Limits
CMS set the 2027 standard Part D deductible and annual out-of-pocket threshold. Individual plan premiums and cost sharing vary, so compare your plan's documents and options for your area. See the CMS 2027 Rate Announcement.
$2,400
2027 Part D out-of-pocket threshold
$700
2027 maximum Part D deductible
Related Reading
- AEP 2026 overview & booking — schedule your free review and see more reasons to review this year.
- What to Review Every AEP — an evergreen checklist you can reuse each year.
- Medicare Advantage Guide
- Medigap Guide
- Part D Guide
- Turning 65 Guide
- Medicare FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is AEP 2026?
AEP 2026 (the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026.
What can I change during AEP?
During AEP you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D prescription drug plans, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
What if I miss AEP?
If you miss AEP, your options are limited: the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), January 1 – March 31, available only to people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by a specific life event.
Do I have to change my plan every year?
No — you're never required to change plans. That said, an annual review is strongly recommended, since premiums, networks, formularies, and benefits can all change from one plan year to the next.
How long does a Medicare review take?
A Medicare review typically takes 30–45 minutes. Choose phone, video, or an in-person meeting at your home or the Wilmington office.
Is there a cost to work with Kayla?
No. Licensed agents like Kayla are compensated by the insurance carrier, not the client, so there is never a cost to you for a review or for enrollment help.
Local Coverage
Find Local Medicare Help Near You
Medicare plan availability and pricing vary by county. Get city-specific plan info for your area.