Medicare AEP Dates for 2025: What You Need to Know

Not sure what the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is or what actions you should take?

You’re not alone.

Running from October 15 to December 7 , AEP is your chance to review and adjust your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year.

While many Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their plans, only three in ten review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) , which details crucial updates to costs and benefits.

This guide outlines the key AEP dates for 2025 , explains what they mean for you, and provides actionable tips to make the most of this enrollment period.

Choosing the right plan!

What Is Medicare AEP? AEP is a yearly window where Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their plans to ensure they align with their healthcare needs.

During this period, you can:

Switch plans: Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Change Medicare Advantage plans: Adjust your plan based on costs, provider networks, and benefits . Enroll in or modify a Part D prescription drug plan: Ensure your medications are covered at the best price. Purchase a Medigap policy: If returning to Original Medicare , you may be eligible to apply for a Medigap policy to cover deductibles and copays. Review your spouse’s coverage: Ensure both plans complement each other for maximum benefits. Why Is AEP Important? Since Medicare plans and healthcare needs change yearly , AEP is your chance to align your coverage with your current health, finances, and lifestyle .

It is also the only time most beneficiaries can switch plans without penalties or restrictions , ensuring continued access to benefits and preferred providers .

💡 Tip: Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall to see upcoming changes in premiums, benefits, and network providers .

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Medicare AEP 2025: Dates You Need to Know Keeping track of Medicare AEP dates allows you to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage for 2025 .

When Does AEP Start and End in 2025? AEP has two critical deadlines :

📅 October 15, 2025: AEP begins—this is your first opportunity to review and adjust your Medicare plan .

⏳ December 7, 2025: AEP ends—this is your final chance to change plans for 2025 . After this date, you may be locked into your plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or another enrollment period depending on your Medicare plan type .

Deadlines To Keep in Mind for Changes Failing to act within the AEP timeframe could leave you stuck with a plan that no longer meets your needs.

📍 Plan selection deadline: Ensure all changes—including switching plans or adding Part D prescription drug coverage —are finalized by December 7, 2025 .

📅 January 1, 2026: Any plan changes made during AEP will take effect.

💡 Tip: Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary costs and out-of-pocket expenses .

What Are Your Options During AEP? AEP is the best time to reassess your Medicare plan and make changes that better align with your healthcare needs.

Switch Medicare Advantage Plans If your current Medicare Advantage plan no longer meets your needs or budget , AEP allows you to switch to a new plan .

Example: If your provider network no longer includes your preferred doctors , you can find a plan with better coverage.

💡 Tip: Compare benefits, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs across multiple plans to find the best fit.

Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan AEP lets you enroll in, drop, or change your Medicare Part D plan if your current drug coverage isn’t sufficient .

Example: If a medication you regularly use becomes more expensive , switching to a Part D plan with better coverage could help lower costs .

💡 Tip: Review each plan’s formulary to ensure your prescriptions are covered affordably .

Adjust Your Current Medicare Coverage You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage based on your healthcare priorities .

Example: If you need additional coverage , moving from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage might be the better option .

💡 Tip: Ensure any supplemental benefits and prescription drug needs align with your new coverage timeline .

How AEP Changes Affect Your Coverage Timeline Making Medicare changes during AEP impacts your coverage start date, provider networks, and benefits .

Effective Date of Changes Any AEP changes made between October 15 and December 7 take effect on January 1 .

Example: If you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with enhanced prescription drug coverage , you will begin benefiting from the new coverage immediately on January 1 .

Changes Before Deadlines Waiting until the last few days of AEP may cause processing delays or errors .

💡 Tip: Make your decision early to avoid last-minute issues with enrollment or provider changes .

Impact on Provider Networks and Benefits AEP plan changes may affect your:

Provider network (which doctors and hospitals you can see). Prescription drug coverage (availability and costs of your medications). Additional benefits . Example: If your current provider network is changing, enrolling in a new plan with your preferred provider network during AEP provides uninterrupted access to your preferred doctors .

Track AEP Medicare Dates with Healthpilot’s Help At Healthpilot , we help you find the right Medicare plan based on your needs with our online platform and expert guidance .

Navigating Medicare AEP can be stress-free with the right tools and support .

Why Choose Healthpilot? ✅ Personalized recommendations : Get tailored plan suggestions based on your doctors and medications.

✅ Easy plan comparisons : Our platform lets you compare costs and benefits across Medicare plans.

✅ Annual plan reviews : We monitor whether your plan continues to meet your needs .

✅ Free-to-use service : We do not charge fees and only get paid by carrier partners when you enroll . There is no obligation to enroll with our service.