If you’re here, it’s because AEP is ending—and you’re trying to make sure you don’t miss something important. Totally normal. The last week of AEP is when people start asking the real questions: Will my doctor still take this plan? Are my prescriptions going up next year? Am I about to lock myself into something I’ll regret?
Take a breath. You don’t need a full research project. You need a fast, focused AEP checklist to run through before the window closes.
Let’s finish the season strong.
Key Dates: Know the Final Day (and Time-Zone Cutoffs)
AEP ends December 7 at 11:59 PM—but here’s what people forget:
- Your enrollment is timestamped based on your plan’s service area, not just your local clock.
- Submitting at 11:58 PM your time doesn’t guarantee acceptance if the system uses a different cutoff.
Bottom line: Don’t cut it close. Aim to finish your AEP checklist and submit changes at least a day before the deadline.
Doctors & Hospitals: Confirm Your Network (Don’t Assume!)
This is the #1 reason people switch plans late in the game. Some carriers tighten networks, move clinics, or shift hospital affiliations.
Before anything else, confirm:
- Your PCP is staying in-network next year
- Your specialists are still included
- Your preferred hospital is in-network
- Your provider is accepting the plan next year, not just today
It takes 30 seconds to call your doctor’s front desk—and it may save you a year of frustration.
Medications: Check Formularies & Pharmacy Pricing
One drug moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 can cost more than the premium difference between two plans. Drug lists change every year, and the biggest AEP mistakes come from skipping the formulary check.
Run through this quickly:
- Is each medication still on the formulary?
- Is the tier changing? (A tier bump can mean a huge increase.)
- Are there new rules like prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits?
- Is your pharmacy still giving you the lowest price—or is another preferred pharmacy cheaper?
Total Cost: Premium + Copays + MOOP
If you have a big surgery next year—or even might—that MOOP number becomes one of the most important numbers in your entire AEP checklist. Forget chasing the lowest premium. What matters is your total annual cost, which includes:
- Monthly premium
- Doctor visit copays
- Specialist and hospital copays
- Your medications
- The plan’s MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket limit)
Prior Authorization & Referrals: Know the Rules Before January
If you depend on frequent imaging, therapy, or specialist care, these rules matter a lot more than any “extra benefits” in the brochure. Some Medicare Advantage plans have more hoops than others. Before you lock in:
- Does your plan require referrals for specialists?
- Do your common services require prior authorization?
- Are your doctors already familiar with your plan’s process?
Travel & Snowbird Coverage: Will Your Plan Follow You?
Snowbirds, RVers, and frequent travelers often discover too late that their plan is very local. If you spend part of the year in another state—or even travel for extended periods—check:
- Will the plan cover routine care outside your home county?
- Does out-of-state or out-of-network care cost more?
- Is emergency coverage clear and predictable?
PDP Reminder: Compare Your Drug Plan on Medicare.gov
The wrong Part D plan can cost hundreds—or thousands—more than necessary. If you’re staying with Original Medicare and need a standalone Part D drug plan, the best comparison tool is Medicare.gov.
Check your:
- Medications
- Preferred pharmacies
- Annual estimated cost
- Star Ratings (only as a tie-breaker)
Save Your Confirmation & Know What’s Next
Keep these for January in case something doesn’t match what you expected. Once you hit “enroll,” you’re not done. Save everything:
- Your confirmation number
- Screenshots of your choices
- Any emails you receive
- The plan’s summary of benefits
FAQs
What happens if I miss the AEP deadline?
If you miss the December 7 deadline, your options become very limited. Unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you may have to stay in your current plan for the entire next year. For Medicare Advantage members, the MA Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31) allows some changes, but not drug-plan switching.
Can I change my plan on December 7th itself?
Technically yes—but it’s risky. Systems get overloaded, time-zone cutoffs can vary, and errors submitted at the last minute may not process. It’s best to finish your AEP checklist and enroll at least a day early.
How do I confirm if my doctor is in-network for next year?
Call your doctor’s office directly and ask: “Are you contracted with this plan for next year?” Online directories are helpful, but they aren’t always perfectly updated during AEP. A quick phone call avoids headaches later.
Why do formularies change every year?
Plans renegotiate pricing, tiers, and preferred pharmacies annually. That means your medication could move to a higher tier, require prior authorization, or drop from the formulary altogether. This is why a drug check is essential every AEP—even if nothing else in your health has changed.
Do Medicare Advantage plans change referral or prior authorization rules each year?
Yes. Some carriers tighten rules, add authorizations, or require referrals where they didn’t before. Always check the upcoming year’s Summary of Benefits so you’re not surprised in January.
Need Help Today? Brickhouse Still Has Same-Day Review Options
If you’re staring at multiple tabs, conflicting information, or you’re simply out of time, we can help. We do fast, same-day AEP reviews—provider lists, drug checks, cost comparisons, and final recommendations.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just clarity when you need it most.
