Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) Checklist
As the season shifts, it’s not just the weather changing, it’s also time to take a close look at your Medicare coverage. Each year, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, giving you an important opportunity: the chance to review your current plan and choose the coverage that fits your health, lifestyle, and priorities for the upcoming year.
Whether you want to keep what you have, explore new options, or make sure you’re getting the most out of your benefits, this guide lays everything out clearly and simply.
Below is a streamlined checklist to help you feel informed, confident, and fully in control as AEP opens.
Know the AEP Dates
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period happens every year from October 15 to December 7. Any changes you make during this window go into effect on January 1 of the following year.
Mark these dates on your calendar so you don’t miss your chance to make updates that could improve your access to care, lower your costs, or better support your health needs.
Review Your ANOC and EOC
Each fall, your Medicare plan sends two important documents:
- Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) – explains any upcoming changes to your plan, including premiums, copays, prescription coverage, or network updates.
- Evidence of Coverage (EOC) – details how your plan works and what it covers.
Set aside time to review both. Even small changes can affect your costs and your ability to see the providers you prefer.
Evaluate Your Current Healthcare Needs
Think about what changed over the past year:
- Any new diagnoses or medications?
- New specialists you now see regularly?
- More frequent labs or follow-up appointments?
Your healthcare needs evolve — your Medicare plan should keep up.
Understand Your Medicare Options
A quick refresher on Medicare parts:
- Part A: hospital insurance
- Part B: medical insurance
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): an all-in-one plan that often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, transportation, and fitness programs
- Part D: prescription drug coverage
Understanding what each part covers helps you compare plans with confidence.
Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Drug formularies can change every year. During AEP, look closely at:
- Whether your medications are still covered
- Whether they’ve moved to a different tier
- How your out-of-pocket costs may change
If you take multiple prescriptions, this step is especially important.
Confirm Your Doctors Are In-Network
One of the most common reasons people switch plans during AEP is changes in provider networks. Make sure:
- Your primary care doctor is in-network
- Your specialists are covered
- Your preferred hospital or medical group stays included
This is especially important for Medicare Advantage plans, which typically have strict network rules.
Compare Plans Available in Your Area
Even if you like your current plan, it’s wise to compare it with other options. Plans can offer new benefits, lower premiums, or better prescription coverage from year to year. Compare:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles and copays
- Out-of-pocket maximums
- Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, wellness programs)
- Network size and flexibility
A clear comparison can help you get the best value and better support your healthcare goals.
Review Plan Star Ratings
Medicare rates plans from 1 to 5 stars. These ratings measure things like customer service, quality of care, and member satisfaction. Higher-rated plans often indicate a stronger, more reliable healthcare experience.
Watch Out for Scams
AEP is a busy season — and unfortunately, scammers take advantage of it. Stay safe by:
- Never sharing your Social Security number or Medicare ID with unsolicited callers
- Verifying who you’re speaking with before sharing any personal information
- Ignoring high-pressure tactics or “too good to be true” offers
Your coverage choices deserve thoughtful, trustworthy guidance.
Keep Notes and Ask Questions
As you review plans, take notes:
- Which benefits matter most to you?
- Are your preferred pharmacies covered?
- Do you want more flexibility in choosing providers?
- Are there new benefits that would support your lifestyle?
If anything feels unclear, reach out for support. You can also get free, unbiased help from:
Navigating the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period doesn’t have to feel complicated. With the right information and a clear checklist, you can make decisions that support your health today and your wellbeing in the year ahead.
Welcome Health is here to support you every step of the way — with compassionate care, personalized attention, and a focus on your priorities.
If you’d like help understanding how your coverage works with our services or want support choosing a plan that fits your needs, we’re here to guide you.
Download our FREE
AEP Checklist today!
Choose Your Health
At Welcome Health, we believe that the right healthcare for older people is whole-person, individualized care that diagnoses and treats disease within the larger, equally important context of the values, preferences, and goals of each person.
In addition to providing primary care that specializes in aging, Welcome Health offers unique resources, programs, and services all designed to specifically address common challenges older adults experience.
Welcome Health provides home care and primary care services to older people in Orange County through house calls and virtual visits. Visit Welcome Health to learn how healthcare that specializes in senior care can jumpstart your journey towards a happier, healthier life.
Dr. Deena Goldwater VP of Care Delivery
Dr. Deena Goldwater, a cardiologist and geriatrician, trained at one of the nation’s top hospitals and has devoted her career to helping older people manage their health, even when facing multiple chronic conditions.
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