The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) typically runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year.
As AEP draws to a close, if you are enrolled in a Part C Medicare Advantage plan, hopefully you have already reviewed the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter that you received from your insurance company in late September, paying attention to changes in monthly premiums, co-pays, covered services and ancillary benefits included with your plan.
If you are enrolled in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, it is a good practice to review your current list of prescription medications to make sure you have the lowest cost coverage for the upcoming year.
If you have a MediGap plan, you typically DO NOT need to review alternative MediGap options, because although the premiums typically increase slightly each year, the benefits essentially stay the same year-after-year.
If you do nothing, unless you have been notified to the contrary, your current coverage will automatically renew with any associated changes for 2024.
CHECK YOUR MAIL CAREFULLY 
Unfortunately, people who are Medicare eligible get inundated this time of year with marketing materials from insurance companies, brokers, etc. While most of this might be considered junk mail, you want to make sure you review any materials you receive from whichever insurance company you plan to have for the upcoming year.
Pay special attention to find new insurance ID cards for the upcoming year, as well as any invoices or coupon payment booklets if your plan has a monthly premium.
NOT YET ENROLLED IN MEDICARE?
If you are not yet enrolled in Medicare, then the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period does not apply to you yet. You will have a 7-month opportunity to enroll in Medicare that surrounds the month you turn age 65. If you are older than 65 and still working, you will have a Special Election Period (SEP) that can be created anytime during the year, based upon when you lose health insurance coverage from an employer.
Remember that the Medicare AEP is the primary opportunity for most people to make changes to their Medicare coverage each year. Taking the time to review and make informed decisions can help ensure you have the right coverage for your healthcare needs in the upcoming year.
If you do nothing, your current plan will automatically renew after December 7th along with any of its associated changes.
If you need help finalizing your plan decisions or if you have any other questions about Medicare, please connect with one of our Member Agents. There are never any fees for their educational or enrollment services!
