Medicare Advantage Plan
AEP Review
Reviewing your Medicare Advantage Plan
Review your Medicare Advantage plan during AEP, October 15–December 7, to make sure it still fits your needs for the upcoming year.
What Should I Review?
Plan Costs & Benefits
- Monthly premium
- Deductibles
- Copays and out-of-pocket costs
- Extra benefits
Prescription Coverage
- Make sure your medications are still covered
- Review drug costs and pharmacy options
Provider Access
- Confirm your doctors and hospitals remain in-network
- Check for network changes effective January 1
Start With Your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall outlining what will change for the following year.
- Start with the summary of changes near the beginning
- Review changes to premiums, copays, prescriptions, and benefits
- Confirm your doctors and hospitals will remain in-network
Happy with your plan changes?
If the changes work for you and you are happy with your current plan, you generally do not need to take any action.
Your coverage will continue into the new year as long as the plan remains available.
Not Happy With Your Plan Changes?
A review may make sense if:
- Your premium or out-of-pocket costs are increasing
- A doctor or hospital is leaving the network
- An important prescription is no longer covered
- Your benefits no longer meet your needs
- You want to compare other Medicare Advantage options
- You are considering moving to Medicare Supplement
What If My Plan Is Ending?
If your Medicare Advantage plan will not be offered next year, your insurance company will send you a notice explaining that your coverage is ending.
- You will need to choose new coverage for the following year
- You can select another Medicare Advantage plan during AEP, October 15–December 7
- If you do not choose another Medicare Advantage plan before your current plan ends, you may be returned to Original Medicare
- Additional Special Enrollment Period rights may also apply when a plan is discontinue
Considering Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement works differently from Medicare Advantage. Before making a change, consider:
- Higher monthly premiums are common with Medicare Supplement plans
- You’ll typically need a separate standalone Part D plan for prescription coverage
- Medicare Supplement plans generally do not include extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, or OTC allowances
- You can generally see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare
- Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement may require medical underwriting and approval