The Medicare Annual Election Period, or AEP, runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. This is the window when nearly every Medicare beneficiary can change plans for the 2027 coverage year. This 10-point checklist walks you through what to do, in the order to do it, so you land January 1 with the right coverage and no surprises.
Last updated: September 2026.
Key takeaways
- AEP dates: October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
- Read your Annual Notice of Change letter (mailed by September 30) before the window opens.
- Check every current medication against your plan's 2027 formulary. This is where most people get burned.
- Confirm your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred hospital are still in network for 2027.
- Doing nothing means you accept every 2027 change your plan announced. Silence is a decision.
1. Read Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter
Every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan mails you an ANOC by September 30. It spells out exactly what is changing for 2027: premium, deductible, copays, drug tiers, network changes, and extra benefits added or removed. Read the summary of changes page even if you plan to keep the same plan. The point of AEP is to make an informed decision, not a reflexive renewal.
2. Rebuild Your Medication List
Pull every prescription you currently take, brand and generic, and write down the exact strength and monthly quantity. This list is the most important input to the whole AEP process. A Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that was cheap in 2026 can become expensive in 2027 if just one of your drugs moves to a higher tier or gets dropped from the formulary.
3. Run Your Drug List Through the Official Medicare Plan Finder
Go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare, enter your ZIP code and medications, and let the tool rank the Part D and Medicare Advantage plans available to you by projected annual out-of-pocket cost. The Plan Finder pulls directly from CMS data, so it reflects the 2027 formularies and pharmacy pricing.
4. Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are In Network
Networks change every year. Before you commit to a Medicare Advantage plan for 2027, call each doctor's office (or use the plan's online provider search dated for 2027) and confirm they will be in network next year. This is especially important for oncology, cardiology, and any specialist you see regularly.
5. Check Your Preferred Pharmacy's Tier
Most Part D plans have a preferred pharmacy network. Filling the same prescription at a non-preferred pharmacy can cost 30 to 50 percent more. Make sure the pharmacy you actually use is preferred under your 2027 plan, or be ready to switch pharmacies.
6. Review the Star Ratings for Any Plan You're Considering
CMS publishes Star Ratings each October for the following plan year. A 4 or 5-star plan has consistently better member outcomes, customer service, and grievance handling than a 3-star plan. Star Ratings also determine which plans qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you want to switch mid-year, so it is worth checking.
7. If You Have a Medigap Plan, Do NOT Assume You Need to Do Anything
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are not affected by AEP. They renew automatically, coverage is standardized by letter, and you cannot swap them during AEP without underwriting. Do check your stand-alone Part D plan (steps 2 through 5 above) since that is separate and does change year to year. See Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement for a full comparison.
8. Reconsider Your Extra Benefits, But Don't Chase Them
Medicare Advantage plans often advertise dental, vision, hearing, transportation, OTC allowances, and grocery cards. These extras are real but usually capped and can change year to year. Do not switch to a plan you would not otherwise pick just for a $500 dental benefit that may not cover the crown you actually need. See 7 costly Medicare Advantage mistakes.
9. Watch for IRMAA if Your Income Changed
Higher-income beneficiaries pay an extra amount, called IRMAA, on top of Part B and Part D premiums. IRMAA in 2027 will be based on your 2025 tax return. If you had a one-time income spike in 2025 (Roth conversion, home sale, capital gains) you may face a surprise 2027 premium. If income has dropped since 2025 (retirement, work reduction), file Form SSA-44 to request a reduction. Details in Medicare IRMAA explained.
10. Enroll by December 7, Get Confirmation in Writing
Submit your change before December 7, 2026. Save the confirmation number, screenshot the enrollment page, and expect a welcome packet within 10 business days. If you enrolled online through Medicare.gov, log back in on January 1 to confirm the plan is showing as active. If you enrolled through a broker or the plan directly, call them if the packet does not arrive by mid-December.
What Happens If You Miss December 7?
Your existing plan simply continues into 2027 with whatever changes the carrier announced. You lose the chance to switch until the next AEP (October 15, 2027) unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (moving out of the plan's service area, losing employer coverage, entering or leaving a Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible situation, and a handful of other events). Full list of enrollment windows is in Medicare enrollment periods explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Medicare AEP in 2026?
October 15, 2026 through December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
What can I change during AEP?
Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, add or change a Part D drug plan, or drop drug coverage. You cannot buy a new Medigap plan during AEP without underwriting.
Do I have to do anything during AEP if I'm happy with my plan?
No, but read your ANOC letter. Plans routinely change premiums, copays, drug formularies, and networks year to year. Silence is consent to all of it.
Want a second set of eyes on your 2027 options? I run every client's drug list through the Medicare Plan Finder during AEP at no charge. Free consultation, no pressure.
Book a free AEP review with Nick Depke or call (402) 680-6171.
Written by Nick Depke, licensed independent insurance agent (NPN 19158595), Depke Insurance Agency, 17310 Wright St Ste 100, Omaha, NE 68130.