The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), running October 15 through December 7, is your yearly opportunity to review or change your Medicare coverage. It’s a chance to make sure your plan fits you. But many people simply roll over into the next year without checking and later wish they had. Below are the 10 most common mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them.
1. Waiting Until the Last Week of AEP
If you wait until the final days, you risk fewer plan options, a rushed review, or even paperwork delays. Start your review early, give yourself a buffer, and avoid the end-of-year scramble.
2. Ignoring Your ANOC (Annual Notice of Change)
Each fall your plan sends an ANOC explaining key changes, like premium shifts, benefit tweaks, network updates. Assuming “everything’s the same” is a risky shortcut. Open that letter, compare what’s changing, and see if you need a better match.
3. Choosing by “Extras” Instead of Core Coverage
Extras like a gym membership or enhanced vision benefit are nice—but they shouldn’t override the essentials. Ask:
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Does the plan cover my doctors and my hospitals?
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Are my medications covered?
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What are the worst-case cost and out-of-pocket risks?
Extras are nice. Core coverage is essential.
4. Not Checking Your Doctors/Hospitals are In-Network
You have providers you trust. But networks change.
Just because your doctor was in-network this year doesn’t guarantee they’ll be next year. Call your key doctors and hospital now: “Are you in-network under Plan X for next year?” If not, either pick a plan they are in, or switch your provider.
5. Not Checking if Your Medications are Covered
You take medications. So you already know: drug coverage can make or break your year. And one of the most common mistakes is not comparing the new-year formulary for your plan.
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Are your drugs still covered? What tier are they on?
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Do you need prior authorization or step therapy?
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Is your preferred pharmacy still in-network?
A plan with a low premium but bad drug coverage can cost you way more than you expect.
6. Overlooking MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket) and Prior Authorization Rules
Premiums grab attention, but your worst-case cost often lies in the back end. For example: Medicare Advantage plans have a MOOP (the annual cap you’ll pay). If you don’t know what yours is, you risk surprise bills.
And don’t ignore prior-authorization. Some services or drugs may require it. If you need those services, you don’t want doors closed or delays because you picked a plan that “looks nice.”
Always ask: “What’s my MOOP? What services need prior-auth?” Make sure the back-end holds up.
7. Assuming Star Ratings Tell the Whole Story
You’ll often see a plan proudly displayed with 4 or 5 stars. And yes—they matter. But they should not be the sole reason you pick a plan.
Star ratings reflect overall plan quality, satisfaction, and performance. They don’t guarantee your doctor, your drug, or your hospital network. Use ratings as a tie-breaker, not the deciding factor.
8. Forgetting Your Travel or Snowbird Needs
If you spend part of the year elsewhere (snowbird, RV, alternate home), this one matters a lot. Many Medicare Advantage plans are very region-specific. If you pick a plan based only on your home ZIP, you may end up with weak or no coverage when you’re away.
Ask: “Will this plan cover me when I’m in [other state or region]?” “What happens if I’m out-of-area for 3-4 months?” If you’re mobile, you need to factor that in.
9. Not Comparing the Total Annual Costs
Here’s a common trap: choosing the plan with the lowest monthly premium. It’s tempting. But the better question is: What will I pay all year?
So figure in:
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Premiums
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Deductibles
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Copays / coinsurance
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MOOP
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Anticipated services (doctor visits, specialist visits, labs)
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Drug costs
10. Not Understanding Your Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)
If you’re on Original Medicare + a Medigap plan, you’ll need a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Mistake: confusing a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drugs with a PDP, or assuming your pharmacy network is the same.
Always go to the official Medicare.gov Plan Finder for PDPs. Check your drugs, check your pharmacy network, compare total costs.
If you’re switching between plan types (Advantage vs Original + PDP), the confusion risk is higher—take your time.
Your Quick “Do This Instead” Checklist
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Review your ANOC as soon as you receive it.
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Make a list: your key doctors, specialists, hospitals, and medications.
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Verify your providers and meds will be covered under candidate plans for next year.
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Compare the actual total cost of plans (not just premiums).
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If you travel or live part-time elsewhere, check out-of-area coverage.
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Use Medicare.gov Plan Finder (or let us help you) to run side-by-side comparisons.
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Start early—don’t wait until December’s rush.
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If you’re unsure, schedule a review with us at Brickhouse Agency.
FAQs
Do I have to switch or enroll in a new plan during AEP?
No. You’re not required to switch. If you’re satisfied with your current plan and it continues next year without changes that negatively affect you, you can stay where you are. But it’s wise to review because plan details often change yearly.
What changes can I make during AEP?
During AEP you can: switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan; switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (and then enroll in a drug plan if needed); or join, drop or switch a stand-alone Part D (drug) plan.
Will my current plan automatically continue if I do nothing during AEP?
Yes. If your plan is still offered next year and you don’t switch, your coverage will generally renew automatically. But that doesn’t mean nothing changed. Your current plan may change its costs, drug coverage, network, or other features for the new year — so “doing nothing” without review can be a mistake.
Book Your AEP Check-In with Brickhouse
Ready to turn this AEP into your best year yet? Book a free check-in with us. We’ll walk through your needs, your current plan, and your options for next year—clear, no pressure, tailored to you.
Reach out via phone or click this link to schedule.
Let’s make sure your Medicare coverage is working for you—not against you.
Niki Feret is the founder of Brickhouse Agency, a boutique Medicare insurance agency licensed in 37 states. As one of the few female agency owners in the industry, Niki leads with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to education – not pressure. Learn more or book your free Medicare consultation at BrickhouseAgency.com.
