It's that time of year once again! It's time to perform your yearly Medicare review and decide if you want to make changes to your coverage during Medicare's fall annual enrollment period (AEP).

Changes you could make to your coverage during this time include: ¹

• Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Changing to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• Switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.

(And if you're happy with your current coverage, you don't need to do anything at all!)

Hitting the AEP deadline is important because missing it could mean waiting months or up to a year to make the changes you desire. That said, be sure to mark the following important Medicare fall AEP dates on your calendar so you don't miss a thing!

September: Receive Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC)

Keep an eye on your mailbox, because you should receive your Medicare plan ANOC and EOC by September 30.

These documents give details about your current plan and list changes to your coverage, service area or costs that will go into effect in 2024.²

If you don't receive your documents by the end of September, contact your Medicare plan to request them.

October 1: Begin Reviewing Your Options

The 2024 Medicare Advantage plans become available to review starting on October 1.¹ At this time, it's important to think about your health and budget and consider if your current plan will continue to meet your needs in the coming year.

October 15: Annual Enrollment Begins

This is your chance to make changes to your health and drug coverage for 2024!¹

November 30: Annual Enrollment Ends in One Week

Don't procrastinate! Reduce stress and give yourself enough time to make the best decision for your health and budget needs.

December 7: Annual Enrollment Ends

This is the last day you can make changes to your Medicare coverage for 2024, in most cases.¹

January 1: Coverage Begins

If you decide to switch to a new health or drug plan, your new coverage starts on January 1.

If you keep your current coverage, any plan changes described on your ANOC will begin on January 1.¹

After January 1: Opportunities To Make Changes

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or change to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This takes place January 1 through March 31, with coverage beginning the first day of the month after the plan gets your enrollment form.¹

You also may be able to make changes if you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP). A SEP is triggered by special circumstances or life changes and gives you a one-time chance to enroll or make changes to your coverage.³

By keeping these dates in mind and taking time to review your options, you may find the opportunity to expand your coverage while saving money!

¹Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Yearly Medicare Review, https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11220-Medicare-Yearly-Review.pdf, 2023.
²Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), https://www.medicare.gov/basics/forms-publications-mailings/mailings/costs-and-coverage/upcoming-plan-changes, 2023.
³Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Special Enrollment Periods, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods, 2023.