AEP at a glance
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15–December 7.
Changes take effect January 1 of the next year.
During AEP, you can:
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans.
- Change or enroll in a Part D drug plan.
- Move between Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D and Medicare Advantage.
The four parts of Medicare (quick refresher)
Part A — Hospital insurance
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health care.
Most people pay no premium if they worked enough quarters.
Part B — Medical insurance
Part B covers doctor visits, preventive care, outpatient services, lab work, imaging, and durable medical equipment.
You pay a monthly premium and potential coinsurance.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
Private plans that replace Original Medicare with a bundled option.
Most include A and B, and many include Part D. Plans can add extras like dental, vision, or hearing.
Part D — Prescription drug coverage
Private plans that cover prescriptions.
You choose a plan based on your medications and pharmacy preferences.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: which path fits?
Choosing a path first makes AEP easier. Start with how you prefer care and costs.
Consider Medigap if you want:
- Freedom to see any provider that accepts Medicare.
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs.
- No network referrals.
Consider Medicare Advantage if you want:
- One card for medical and drug benefits.
- Often lower premiums but pay-as-you-go copays.
- Extra benefits like dental or vision, with network rules.
Drug coverage reminder:
- Medigap users usually pair a stand-alone Part D.
- Many Medicare Advantage plans already include Part D.
What to review before AEP (your checklist)
Use this list to prepare. You’ll compare faster and avoid surprises.
- Doctors and hospitals
- Are your providers in a plan’s network?
- Any referral rules or prior authorization?
- Prescriptions
- Check each medication in the plan’s formulary.
- Review tiers, prior auth, and pharmacy pricing.
- Total cost picture
- Monthly premium, copays, and coinsurance.
- MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket) on Medicare Advantage.
- Part B premium and any IRMAA if applicable.
- Coverage changes for next year
- Read your ANOC (Annual Notice of Change).
- Note changes to drugs, networks, or benefits.
- Travel and snowbird needs
- Out-of-area coverage and network access.
- Emergency and urgent care rules.
- Chronic care and specialists
- Prior auth, care management, and referral pathways.
- Access to centers of excellence if needed.
Timing and deadlines you should know
- AEP: Oct 15–Dec 7. Changes start Jan 1.
- MA OEP (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment): Jan 1–Mar 31. One plan change allowed if you are in an MA plan.
- Special Enrollment Periods: Possible after qualifying life events.
How Brickhouse helps during AEP
We keep this process simple and transparent.
- Plan strategy first: We start with Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage.
- Benefit/Drug/Doctor alignment: We check networks, drugs, and benefits for fit.
- Cost clarity: We compare premiums, copays, and estimated annual costs.
- Action plan: We outline your options and next steps in plain language.
FAQs
Do I need all four parts of Medicare?
Not always. Most people have A and B. You then choose Medigap + Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that often includes drug coverage.
Can I change the parts I have during AEP?
Yes. AEP lets you switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Changes start January 1.
Medigap changes may require underwriting outside your initial window.
What’s the difference between Medigap and Part C?
Medigap works with Original Medicare to reduce out-of-pocket costs. You add a separate Part D if needed.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan. Networks and copays vary by plan.
Does Brickhouse help with stand-alone Part D?
We don’t enroll clients in PDP-only plans. For PDP comparisons, use Medicare.gov for real-time pricing and coverage.
What documents should I gather before my review?
Make a list of your doctors, preferred hospitals, and current medications.
Have last year’s ANOC and your budget targets ready.
Final Thoughts
Original Medicare is a solid foundation — but it’s not a full house.
It’s important to know what it covers, where the gaps are, and how to fill them. That’s where working with a trusted Medicare insurance agent helps.
If you don’t already have one, Brickhouse Agency offers no-cost, no-obligation consultations to walk you through your options and help you build a plan that fits your life — not someone else’s.
Book your free Medicare consultation
About the Author
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.