Enrollment
Medicare AEP 2026: Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Don't waste your Medicare AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7, 2026). Avoid the 7 most costly mistakes seniors make during Annual Enrollment — and use these tips to switch right.
Quick Summary
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is your once-a-year chance to lower your costs or add benefits. Most seniors stay in the same plan for years, missing out on newer plans with better drug coverage or higher OTC cards.
For enrollment dates and period details, see our complete enrollment guide →/medicare/enrollment
Every fall, from October 15 to December 7, millions of seniors participate in the Annual Enrollment Period. However, many fall into 'auto-pilot' and simply let their current plan renew. This is one of the most common medicare open enrollment mistakes. In 2026, with major changes to drug costs and supplemental benefits, reviewing your coverage is more important than ever.
7 Costly AEP Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the 'Annual Notice of Change' (ANOC): Your current plan sends this in September. It tells you exactly how your premium and drug costs will change next year.
- Focusing only on the monthly premium: A $0 premium plan might have a $500 deductible or high copays that make it more expensive overall.
- Assuming your doctors are still in-network: Networks change every year. Always verify your 'must-have' doctors are still participating.
- Not checking the drug formulary: Even if you take the same pills, your plan might move them to a higher 'tier,' increasing your cost.
- Forgetting to check the Star Rating: CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars. If your plan is a 2.5, you can likely find a better-managed 4-star plan in the same area.
- Waiting until the last week: December 7 is the hard deadline. Waiting until the end leads to rushed decisions and long hold times on phone lines.
- Missing out on new supplemental benefits: 2026 plans may offer higher OTC card balances or new grocery benefits that weren't available when you first signed up.
5-Step AEP Review Checklist
Follow this process every October to ensure you have the best coverage:
Review Your ANOC
Look for changes in premiums, drug tiers, and out-of-pocket maximums.
List Your Meds
Get your current dosage list ready for comparison.
Verify Your Doctors
Confirm your primary and specialist doctors are in-network for next year.
Compare 3 Plans
Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder to compare at least three plans in your ZIP code.
Confirm the Switch
If you find a better plan, enroll before Dec 7. Your old plan will cancel automatically on Jan 1.
AEP vs. Other Windows
| Window | Dates | Who Qualifies | Allowed Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEP | Oct 15 - Dec 7 | All Beneficiaries | Switch between Original and MA; change Part D |
| MA OEP | Jan 1 - Mar 31 | Current MA Members | Switch MA plans or return to Original |
| IEP | 7 Months @ 65 | New Retirees | Enroll in Medicare for the first time |
| SEP | Varies | Life Events | Changes due to move or loss of coverage |
How to Use Medicare Plan Finder During AEP
Medicare.gov's Plan Finder (medicare.gov/plan-compare) is the only unbiased tool that shows your total annual cost across every plan in your area, based on your specific drugs and preferred pharmacies. Use it every AEP — even if you plan to stay in your current plan.
Enter your current medications
List every prescription with exact dosage and frequency. Drug costs often exceed premiums by 3x — this step matters most.
Add your preferred pharmacies
Plans vary dramatically at 'preferred' vs. 'non-preferred' pharmacies. Adding your pharmacy shows accurate, real-world cost estimates.
Enter your doctors
Plan Finder will flag which plans include your doctors in-network. Always verify directly with the office — the tool's data can lag.
Sort by estimated annual cost
Look at 'Total Estimated Drug and Premium Costs' — not just the monthly premium. A $0 premium plan often costs more once drug copays are added.
Filter by STAR rating
Show only 4- and 5-star plans. CMS STAR ratings measure quality of care, member satisfaction, and care coordination across 40+ metrics.
New Supplemental Benefits to Look for in 2026 Plans
- Higher OTC card allowances: some markets saw increases to $150–$200/month from $50 previously
- Expanded dental: some carriers added implants or raised annual dental maximums
- Hearing aid coverage improvements across several major plans
- Expanded transportation benefits (including non-medical trips in some areas)
- Health food/grocery allowances for members with qualifying chronic conditions
- Social determinants of health benefits: home safety modifications, pest control
One Benefit Change Can Justify Switching
If another plan offers a $150/month OTC card ($1,800/year) vs. your current $30/month card ($360/year), that's $1,440 in extra annual value — often more than any premium difference. Always calculate total benefit value, not just the premium.
AEP Drug Formulary Review: The Critical Step Most Skip
Plans revise their formularies every January 1. Even if you take the same medications, copays could double or a drug could be removed. During AEP, specifically check for each drug you take:
| What to Check | Where to Find It | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Drug tier placement | Plan's online formulary or Plan Finder | Drug moved from Tier 1 (generic) to Tier 3 |
| Prior authorization requirements | Plan formulary or member services call | New PA requirement added to your medication |
| Quantity limits | Plan formulary or member services call | Reduced from 90-day to 30-day supply |
| Preferred pharmacy status | Plan's pharmacy locator tool | Your pharmacy is no longer preferred or in-network |
What Happens If You Miss the December 7 Deadline?
If you take no action by December 7, your plan auto-renews with all changes your insurer announced in its September ANOC letter. If premiums rose or drugs moved to a higher tier, you're locked in for the full year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Second Chance: MA Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31)
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have one more opportunity. The MAOEP lets you switch to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare — but it does NOT let you add Medigap without health underwriting. AEP is still your most flexible window.
Beware of Misleading AEP Marketing
AEP triggers a surge of TV ads, mailers, and calls promoting '$0 premium' plans. These often omit drug costs, copays, and network restrictions. Always cross-check any plan through Medicare.gov's Plan Finder before enrolling based on an ad.
Calculate Total Annual Cost — Not Just Premium
Use this formula: (Monthly Premium × 12) + Estimated Annual Drug Costs + Estimated Copays. A $100/month premium plan with $400/year in drug costs often beats a $0 premium plan with $2,500/year in drug costs. Do the math every AEP.
AEP Action Checklist
Key Takeaways
- ✓Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) every September
- ✓Don't choose a plan based on premium alone — look at total estimated cost
- ✓Verify your specific medications and doctors annually
- ✓AEP is the only time to switch from Original Medicare to Advantage (mostly)
- ✓Check for new 'extra' benefits like grocery allowances and Part B givebacks
- ✓Complete all changes by December 7 to ensure a January 1 start
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: SeniorPop is not affiliated with Medicare, Medicaid, or any government agency. Benefit availability varies by plan and location. Contact a licensed Medicare advisor for plan-specific information.