2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Countdown to AEP 2027
Medicare AEP Timeline
| Date | What It Means |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | Start reviewing your current plan’s changes for 2027 |
| October 15, 2026 | Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins |
| December 7, 2026 | AEP ends |
| January 1, 2027 | New coverage generally begins |
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15. Use this time to review your current coverage, compare 2027 Medicare plans, and make changes before the December 7 deadline.
Medicare advises beneficiaries to review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which is generally sent by their current plan in September and outlines changes to costs and coverage for the upcoming year.
Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare plan, it is important to review your coverage each year because premiums, deductibles, copayments, covered benefits, prescription drug costs, provider networks, and plan rules can change.
Getting Help With Medicare Annual Enrollment
Choosing Medicare coverage can involve more than simply comparing monthly premiums. Your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, healthcare needs and expected out-of-pocket costs can all affect which plan meets your needs.
Need help choosing your Medicare coverage? Contact United Insurance Experts to speak with a licensed Medicare insurance agent who can help you understand your options, compare available plans, and find coverage that fits your needs.
Don't Wait Until December 7.
October:
Review your current plan and Annual Notice of Change.
October–November:
Compare available 2027 plans, providers, medications and costs.
November:
Ask questions and decide whether your current coverage still meets your needs.
Before December 7:
Complete your enrollment if you decide to change plans.
January 1, 2027:
Your new coverage generally begins.
Get a Free Medicare Plan Review
What Can You Do During Medicare AEP?
During the Annual Enrollment Period, you may be able to:
* Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
* Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare
* Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
* Join, drop, or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
* Add or drop prescription drug coverage associated with a Medicare Advantage Plan
* Review your current plan and decide to keep your existing coverage
If you keep your current Medicare health and drug coverage, you generally don’t need to take action, although reviewing your plan each year is recommended.
Why Should You Review Your Medicare Plan Every Year?
Your healthcare needs and Medicare plan benefits can change from year to year. Before deciding to keep your current plan, consider reviewing:
* Monthly premiums
* Annual deductibles
* Copayments and coinsurance
* Prescription drug costs
* Your prescription drug list
* Your preferred pharmacies
* Doctors and specialists
* Hospital and healthcare provider networks
* Additional benefits
* Out-of-pocket costs
* Plan rules and restrictions
* Changes to your current plan for 2027
Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is particularly important because it explains changes to your plan’s costs and coverage that will take effect in January.
2027 Medicare AEP Checklist
Reviewing your Medicare options now can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you get the best coverage for 2027.
How Does Medicare AEP Enrollment Work?
Medicare AEP vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
These two enrollment periods are sometimes confused.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15–December 7
During AEP, eligible Medicare beneficiaries can make several changes to their Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for the following year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1–March 31
This period is for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. During this period, they can generally switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a separate Part D plan.
Important: AEP is also different from the Initial Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), which have different eligibility rules.
Need Help With Your 2027 Medicare Options?
Contact United Insurance Experts today to speak with a licensed Medicare insurance agent.
Call: 561-464-2273
Email: info@unitedinsuranceexperts.com
Schedule your free Medicare review with a licensed advisor today.
Required Medicare Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
Last Updated: October 2026
Plans, premiums, benefits, provider networks, and availability are subject to change annually.
2027 Medicare AEP Frequently Asked Questions
The 2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes generally become effective January 1, 2027.
No. If your current Medicare coverage continues to meet your needs, you can generally keep your existing coverage. However, Medicare recommends reviewing your plan each year because costs and benefits can change.
Yes. AEP allows eligible beneficiaries to switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare. You may also need to consider Part D prescription drug coverage and whether Medigap is available to you.
Yes. During AEP, you can generally switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
Yes. If you’re in Original Medicare, you can generally join, drop or switch Medicare prescription drug plans during AEP.
You may have other enrollment opportunities depending on your circumstances, including certain Special Enrollment Periods or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Eligibility and rules vary by situation.
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