Medicare Annual Enrollment 2025 Period Guide

ltcinsuranceshopper By ltcinsuranceshopper February 3, 2025


If you’re looking to purchase a new Medicare health or prescription drug plan for 2025 or update your current plan, this guide will explain how, when, and what changes you can make. It covers all the key questions about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) to help you make the best decision for your needs.

What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called the Medicare Annual Election Period or Medicare Open Enrollment Period, is the time each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 when beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage. Any changes made during this time take effect on Jan. 1 of the following year.

Starting on Oct. 1, two weeks before AEP begins, health insurance companies release information about their plans for the upcoming year. These updates might include changes in premiums, prescription drug coverage, and more. This is a good time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current plan and decide if it will still meet their needs. If not, they can use AEP to make a switch.

You can make changes to your plan during AEP without needing to undergo a medical history review, which is sometimes required when switching Medicare Supplement plans.

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

The term Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) can refer to different things depending on its use. Often, it’s used to describe the AEP, but it can also refer to the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). MA OEP takes place from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year, but it is limited to people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. During this time, you can only make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan.

What’s the difference between AEP and OEP?

The main difference is that AEP offers more flexibility. During AEP, you can change or enroll in Medicare Advantage, Cost plans, and Part D drug plans. However, during MA OEP, you can only switch between Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. Part D changes during OEP are limited to people leaving a Medicare Advantage plan.

What changes can you make during AEP?

During AEP, you can:

  • Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
  • Move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
  • Enroll in or change Medicare Advantage plans.
  • Choose or update your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
  • Cancel your Part D plan.

Note: Failing to maintain prescription drug coverage might result in a late-enrollment penalty if you re-enroll later.

AEP doesn’t allow flexibility for changing Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans, and the same rules apply as throughout the rest of the year.

What changes can you make during OEP?

If you are referring to MA OEP (Jan. 1–March 31), you can:

  • Switch between Medicare Advantage plans.
  • Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
  • Enroll in a standalone Part D plan, but only if you return to Original Medicare.

During this period, you can only make one plan change.

How do you change your Medicare plan during open enrollment?

To change plans during AEP, enroll in a new plan by contacting the insurance provider, a broker, or online. You’ll be automatically disenrolled from your old plan, and your new coverage will start on Jan. 1.

For MA OEP changes, you should first enroll in your new plan and then contact your current provider to disenroll. Your new plan will start on the first day of the following month.

To return to Original Medicare, you can visit medicare.gov or contact your current plan.

What happens if you miss Medicare Open Enrollment?

If you miss AEP or MA OEP, you’ll have to keep your current plan for another year unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (e.g., if you lose coverage through an employer).

Do you have to re-enroll in Medicare every year?

No, you don’t need to re-enroll in Medicare or renew your plan each year. You only need to take action if your plan changes or is discontinued.

Can you enroll in Medicare for the first time during Medicare Open Enrollment?

If you’re enrolling for the first time, you would do so during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which could overlap with the Oct. 15–Dec. 7 AEP. You can also enroll at other times if you qualify for a special enrollment period.





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