General AEP Information
Between the dates of October 15th - December 7th, Medicare beneficiaries can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Enroll in or switch Part D prescription drug plans
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
*Let’s talk through your options, timing, and any underwriting considerations to make sure you're making the best move for your situation.
Changes made during AEP will take effect January 1st, 2026.
Considerations:
- There are limited opportunities after December 7th to change plans until the next annual enrollment period.
- Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, it is essential to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for your Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage (MAPD), or Standalone Prescription Drug plan (Part D).
- This document outlines any updates to your benefits, provider network, or prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year—so you can avoid surprises and stay informed.
New Clients: AEP Coverage Review
If you have not worked with our office before, please call us at 360-385-4400 for next steps. On a cell phone? Tap the phone number to call!
Current Clients: AEP Coverage Review
You should have received our 2026 AEP Newsletter, sent October 2, linked here.
- Prescription Drug Plans: If you have identified that you would like to review or enroll in a different Standalone Part D Drug Plan, you can use these valuable resources for a drug plan review and enrollment. Our office is not offering Standalone Medicare Part D reviews during AEP.
- Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
- To change your Part D plan for 2026:
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Go to Medicare.gov
- Click Here to download PDF instructions for using Medicare.gov to review your drug plan options
- SHIBA - https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/medicare/get-free-medicare-help-shiba/find-local-shiba-office
- Medicare Advantage:
- Call our office at 360-385-4400. Upon receiving your call, we will email you a survey to capture your current information and provide next steps.
Medicare Supplement Plans
- Medicare Supplement plans are open year-round and are not restricted by the Annual Enrollment Period. This means that you can review and/or change your Medicare Supplement plan at any time of the year. Please keep in mind premium rates will adjust annually, and the timing of rate changes varies by carrier. Please call our office at 360-385-4400 to discuss changes to a Medicare Supplement Plan.
- If you're considering leaving a Medigap plan to join a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make that change during AEP. Just be sure to wait until your new Medicare Advantage coverage is active before canceling your Medigap policy. *Please call our office to talk through your options, timing, and any underwriting considerations to make sure you're making the best move for your situation.
More Information
We're offering a variety of educational presentation - Click Here to view our event calendar for times, dates, locations of in-person events, and links to join our virtual events.
For more information about Medicare and the enrollment periods, go to our Medicare Information and Resources page by clicking the button below.
Reminder that we are required by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) as of October 1, 2023:
- To record all phone calls with Medicare beneficiaries.
- Disclose that: 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, 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
We look forward to continuing to help you with all your Medicare insurance needs in the year ahead!