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Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment

Every fall, the Annual Enrollment Period gives Medicare beneficiaries the chance to review and change their coverage. Here is what you need to know before the deadline.

📅 October 15 – December 7 Annually ✍️ Brad Loose, Bradley Insurance Group LLC 📍 Kimberly, Wisconsin

What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this window, anyone enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their coverage that take effect on January 1 of the following year.

This is one of the most important dates on a Medicare beneficiary's calendar — and one that is easy to let slip by if you are not paying attention.

What Changes Can You Make During AEP?

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Join, drop, or switch a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Changes made during AEP are not retroactive — they take effect on January 1. Outside of AEP, you generally cannot make these changes unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Why Should You Review Your Coverage Every Year?

Insurance carriers are permitted to change their plans every year. That means your current plan's premiums, deductibles, copays, network of doctors, and drug formulary can all change on January 1 — even if you do nothing.

A plan that was the best fit for you last year may not be the best fit this year. Reviewing your coverage annually can save you hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars.

Common reasons to consider switching include: your doctor left the network, your prescriptions are no longer covered at the same tier, or a new plan now offers better benefits at a lower premium.

What to Review Before AEP Ends

Your drug formulary — Make sure your medications are still covered and at the same cost tier
Your provider network — Confirm your doctors and specialists are still in-network
Your premium and deductible — Compare what you are paying now versus available alternatives
Your extra benefits — Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits can change year to year
Your overall health needs — Has your health situation changed? Your plan should reflect your current needs.

How Brad Can Help

As an independent insurance agent, Brad Loose is not tied to any single carrier. He shops across all the plans available in your area — including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans — to find the one that fits your health needs and budget.

Brad offers free, no-obligation annual reviews for all of his clients before each AEP deadline. Give him a call at (920) 251-4969 or use the contact form to schedule your review today.