When is Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2027?

Medicare AEP 2027 runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Any changes you make during this window take effect January 1, 2027. This is the only time most Medicare beneficiaries can switch between Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, or change their Part D drug plan.

Do I have to do anything during AEP if I am happy with my current plan?

Not necessarily — if you take no action, your current plan typically auto-renews. However, plan details change every year: premiums, deductibles, drug formularies, and provider networks can all shift. It is worth reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which your plan mails in September, to confirm your plan still works for you before the December 7 deadline.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during AEP?

Yes. AEP is one of the windows when you can disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. If you switch back to Original Medicare, you may also want to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a standalone Part D drug plan. Note that Medigap insurers can use medical underwriting outside of your initial enrollment period in most states, so timing matters.

What should I check on my current Medicare plan before AEP ends?

Review four things: (1) whether your primary care doctor and specialists are still in-network; (2) whether your prescription drugs are still covered at the same tier and cost; (3) whether the plan's premium, deductible, or out-of-pocket maximum changed; and (4) whether any extra benefits you use — dental, vision, hearing — are still included. Your plan's Annual Notice of Change covers all of this.

Is there a Medicare enrollment period after AEP if I miss it?

Yes. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 each year. During this window, people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. You cannot use this period to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage — that requires AEP or a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare AEP 2027: What to Review Before December 7

The calendar just flipped to October 15 — and that means one of the most important windows in the Medicare calendar is officially open. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7, and any changes you make take effect January 1, 2027.

If you're on Medicare, this is your once-a-year opportunity to review your coverage, compare plans, and make sure you're not overpaying or underinsured heading into the new year. Don't let the deadline sneak up on you.

What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The AEP — sometimes called "Fall Open Enrollment" — is the window when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage. Any changes you make during AEP are effective January 1, 2027. If you do nothing, your current coverage generally rolls over — but that doesn't mean it's still the best fit.

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan

Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year

Insurance plans change. Premiums go up. Drug formularies shift. Networks get narrowed. A plan that was perfect for you in 2026 may not be the best option in 2027.

Your prescriptions changed. If your doctor added or changed a medication this year, your current Part D plan may no longer cover it at the same tier — or at all.
Your doctors changed. Medicare Advantage plans use networks. If your primary care physician or a specialist left your plan's network, you may be paying out-of-network costs without realizing it.
Your premium went up. Plans send Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters in late September. If yours showed a premium increase, now is the time to shop alternatives.
Your health needs changed. A new diagnosis or a change in how often you see specialists can shift which plan type makes more financial sense for you.

What Changed for Medicare in 2027

The Inflation Reduction Act's $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D prescription costs is now fully in effect. This is a significant protection for beneficiaries on high-cost medications. Make sure your plan is structured to take full advantage of this cap.

The number of Medicare Advantage plans available varies by county. In the Tampa Bay area, beneficiaries typically have access to a wide range of plans from carriers like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Florida Blue. New plans may have entered your market — or existing ones may have changed their benefits significantly.

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare — dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, and even over-the-counter allowances. These benefits change year to year, so it's worth comparing what's available in 2027 vs. what your current plan offers.

Common AEP Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when reviewing your Medicare coverage this fall.

Waiting until December. The deadline is December 7, but plans fill up and agents get busy. Start your review now.
Assuming your plan auto-renewed correctly. Plans do roll over, but benefits change. "Auto-renewed" does not mean "still the best option."
Focusing only on the monthly premium. A plan with a higher premium but lower drug costs or copays may save you more money over the year.
Not checking your drug formulary. This is the single most common source of surprise costs.
Forgetting about dental and vision. A Medicare Advantage plan with robust extra benefits could offset significant out-of-pocket costs.

What Happens After December 7?

Once AEP closes on December 7, your options narrow considerably. The next opportunity to make changes is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs January 1 – March 31. During OEP, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare — but you cannot join a standalone Part D plan during OEP.

If you miss both windows, you'll generally need to wait until the following AEP unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a qualifying life event.

How to Compare Plans During AEP

Pull out your current plan's ANOC letter. This document outlines every change to your plan for 2027 — premiums, deductibles, copays, and network changes.
Make a list of your doctors and medications. Your prescriptions and your care team are the two most important filters when comparing plans.
Use Medicare's Plan Finder tool. The official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov lets you enter your drugs and zip code to compare plans side by side.
Look beyond the premium. A $0 premium plan isn't always the best deal. Look at deductibles, copays for specialist visits, and your drug costs under each plan's formulary.
Talk to a licensed agent. A licensed independent agent can walk you through your options at no cost to you — agents are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you.

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 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

Medicare AEP 2027: What You Need to Know Before December 7