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New Jersey Medicare AdvisoryThe Annual Enrollment Period, explained
Each fall, Medicare gives you the chance to review your coverage and make changes for the coming year. Here's what you need to know.
What is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the one time each year when every Medicare beneficiary can make changes to their coverage — regardless of health status or circumstances.
Opens
October 15
Closes
December 7
Coverage starts
January 1
Any changes you make during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year. Miss the window and you'll generally need to wait another year — or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
What you're allowed to change during AEP
- 1Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- 2Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare (with a standalone Part D plan)
- 3Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- 4Join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- 5Switch from one Part D plan to another
- 6Drop Part D coverage entirely
Why plans change every year
Insurance carriers adjust their plan designs annually. Premiums, copays, drug formularies, provider networks, and extra benefits can all shift — even if you do nothing.
Each September, your plan is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document spells out exactly what's different for the coming year.
Don't ignore it. The ANOC is your early-warning system — and AEP is your window to act if the changes don't work for you.
What to review before you decide
Your doctors
Are they still in-network for next year? Have any been dropped from the plan directory?
Your prescriptions
Check the formulary. Are your medications still covered at the same tier and cost?
Out-of-pocket maximum
Has the yearly cap changed? A higher max means more risk if you need significant care.
Extra benefits
Dental, vision, hearing, fitness — these perks vary widely year to year. Confirm what stays and what goes.
How we help
We sit down with you, review your current coverage against next year's changes, and compare every available option. There's no cost to you — and no pressure to switch if your plan still fits.
Whether you're on Medicare Advantage, a Supplement plan, or just Original Medicare with Part D, we'll make sure you have the information you need to decide with confidence.
Get started