Medicare AEP runs October 15 – December 7, 2026 for plans that take effect January 1, 2027. AEP happens every year on these same dates.
During AEP, every Medicare beneficiary can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Switch from one Part D drug plan to another, or add Part D for the first time
- Drop Part D entirely (rarely a good idea — late-enrollment penalty applies if you go 63+ days without creditable drug coverage)
Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year. If you make multiple changes during AEP, only the last change you make is the one that sticks.
Why AEP matters every year: Carriers can change premiums, formularies, networks, and benefits each year. The plan that was best for you in 2026 may not be the best in 2027. Common AEP-time changes that hurt members who don't review:
- A drug you take moves from Tier 1 ($0 copay) to Tier 4 ($100+ copay)
- Your primary care doctor leaves the plan's network
- Your monthly premium goes up significantly
- The plan exits your area entirely (you'll get a non-renewal notice in early October)
A free AEP review takes 14 minutes. A licensed SilverEdge advisor pulls your current plan, your current medications, and your current providers. Then we compare against every other Medicare Advantage and Part D plan available in your ZIP for 2027. If a better plan exists, we switch you. If your current plan is still best, we leave you alone. Either way, free.
Don't confuse AEP with these other windows:
- OEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31): for MA members only, lets you switch MA plans once or return to Original Medicare
- IEP (around your 65th birthday): for first-time Medicare enrollees
- SEP: triggered by qualifying life events year-round
What to do next: [Schedule your free AEP review](/medicare/#lead) or call (866) 534-1886. AEP review slots fill up fast in November — book early.