What are the Medicare AEP dates?
The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year. During AEP you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, with any changes taking effect January 1.
What it means
- AEP is October 15 – December 7 every year.
- Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year.
- AEP is separate from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), which lets Advantage enrollees switch or return to Original Medicare.
Action steps
- Review your current plan's Annual Notice of Change before AEP starts.
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans available in your ZIP code.
Risks & deadlines
- Miss December 7 and you generally have to wait until next AEP, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
- We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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