What You Must Know Before AEP 2025

 🚨 AEP is Approaching – Act Now to Review or Update Your Medicare Coverage!

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15—just weeks away. Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering a change in your plan, now is the critical time to prepare. Missing deadlines can result in higher costs, limited coverage, or no changes until next year. Use this guide to take control of your Medicare options before it’s too late.

Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods

Medicare has several enrollment periods, each with specific eligibility windows. Enrolling at the right time ensures continuous coverage and avoids penalties.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Who It's For:
Those turning 65 or newly eligible for Medicare.

Timeline:

• Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday

• Includes your birthday month

• Ends 3 months after your birthday month

What You Can Do:

• Enroll in Parts A & B

• Join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Drug Plan (Part D)

💡 AUGUST BIRTHDAY? Your IEP ends in November—don’t wait!

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

For Those Who Missed IEP:

• Runs January 1 – March 31

• Coverage begins July 1

• Late enrollment penalties apply

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP)

Change Your Advantage Plan:

• January 1 – March 31

• One switch allowed or return to Original Medicare

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – ACT NOW

The Most Important Window of the Year
📅 October 15 – December 7

If you're already on Medicare, this is your annual opportunity to:

• Switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare

• Join, drop, or switch a Part D plan

• Change Advantage Plans
  

Changes Take Effect: January 1, 2026

🛑 Don't Wait Until October! Plan reviews and comparisons should start in August and September to avoid the rush and secure the best coverage for 2026.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Available After Qualifying Life Events:

• Moving

• Losing employer coverage

• Medicaid eligibility

• Plan termination
  

Usually gives you 2 months from the event date to make changes.

Medicare Part D Enrollment Periods

Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) enrollments follow the same timelines:

• IEP (around 65th birthday)

• AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7)

• SEP (life events)

Avoid the 1% per-month penalty for late enrollment without creditable coverage.

Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties

Part B Penalty:

• +10% monthly premium per 12-month delay

• Applies for life

Part D Penalty:

• 1% of national base premium × number of uncovered months

Part A Penalty:

• Applies only if you must pay a premium

• +10% premium for twice the number of years delayed

Still Working After 65?

If you’re still working and covered by an employer plan:

• You can delay Parts A & B without penalty (if employer has 20+ employees)

• Enroll during a Special Enrollment Period when coverage ends

✅ Medicare Enrollment Checklist

• Confirm your eligibility and timeline

• Gather personal documents (SSN, ID, insurance info)

• Review your current coverage

• Compare new plan options and benefits

• Enroll or switch plans before December 7

How to Enroll or Make Changes

Online:

• ssa.gov/medicare

By Phone:

• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213

In Person:

• Your local Social Security Office.

🔚 Final Thoughts: August Is the Time to Act

With AEP starting October 15, now—August and September—is the time to:

• Evaluate your current coverage

• Learn about 2026 plan updates

• Compare costs, drug coverage, and networks

• Schedule a free review with a Medicare expert
  

⏰ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Early preparation means better coverage, lower costs, and peace of mind.