Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is from October 15th to December 7th, when you can switch plans or enroll in new ones, with coverage beginning January 1st. 

Now is the time to review your plan's costs, coverage, and network, to ensure it still meets your needs and compare it with other options. 

Important things to know include that you can switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan, change Medicare Advantage plans, and enroll in or modify Part D prescription drug plans. 

What you need to know:

• Review your current plan: Each year, your plan's costs, coverage, and network of doctors and pharmacies may change. It is crucial to review these details to determine if your current plan still meets your needs for the upcoming year.
• What changes can be made: During this period, you can:
  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
  • Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
  • Change from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage to one without, or vice versa.
• Make your changes on time: Changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the next year. The plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7.
• What happens if you do nothing: If you don't make any changes, you will stay in your current plan, but remember that costs and benefits for that plan may still change.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): In addition to the annual enrollment period, there is a separate period from January 1 to March 31 where you can make one change to your plan if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Key dates:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7.
• Coverage effective date for changes made during AEP: January 1 of the following year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 – March 31.
• Coverage effective date for changes made during MA OEP: The first of the month after you enroll.

Primary resources for help:

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Find your local SHIP office online for free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling.
• 1-800-MEDICARE: Use this number for questions about Original Medicare benefits and costs.
• Your Medicare health or drug plan: Contact your specific plan first if you have questions about its benefits, costs, or services.
• Medicare.gov: This is the official website providing information on how Medicare works, what it covers, enrollment periods, and more.
• Social Security Administration (SSA): Contact the SSA for help with Medicare enrollment, especially if you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits.

Other helpful resources:

• Medicare Rights Center: Offers counseling and advocacy assistance.
• AARP: Provides educational tools, resources, and a help center for Medicare questions.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): This is the agency that runs Medicare, and its website is a source of official information.