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Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

Learn what you can change during this time and how to make the most of your coverage.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period window starts Oct. 15.

It’s not time to shop yet, but you can review the plans that you can join, switch or drop while you wait. The shopping window begins in:

2025-10-15T17:00:00Z

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What’s the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

After you enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B, there’s a time every year when you change your current coverage. This time is called the Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP. It happens from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, with new coverage starting on Jan. 1 of the next year. 

What changes can you make during AEP?

We offer Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans through Humana and Aetna.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

These are offered by private insurance companies as alternatives to Original Medicare. Many include prescription drug coverage.


Here are your options for Medicare Advantage during AEP:

  • Enroll in Part C to replace Original Medicare.
  • Switch to a different Part C plan.
  • Drop your Part C plan and go back to Original Medicare.
Learn about Part C

Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

These are stand-alone plans from private insurers that help cover the cost of medications. You pair them with Original Medicare.


Before you make changes, we recommend you log on to update your drug list. Then you can:

  • Enroll in a Part D plan if you don’t have one.
  • Switch to a different Part D plan.
  • Drop Part D coverage if you no longer need it.

 

Learn about Part D

Medicare AEP timeline

  • Oct. 1: You can start reviewing plans available in your area for the upcoming year.
  • Oct. 15: The shopping window opens and you can start selecting and purchasing a plan.
  • Dec. 7: This is the last day to finalize changes to your coverage.
  • Jan. 1: Coverage for the 2025 plans begins.

How to prepare for AEP

Because insurers can change Medicare plans from year to year, it’s important to understand your plan and needs.

Review current plan

Check if your current plan is changing next year. You’ll want to confirm that it still covers your prescriptions and has your doctors in network.

If you want to keep your current plan, you don’t have to do anything. It will automatically renew. 

Update drug list

Make any necessary changes to your drug list.

This may make it easier to compare each plan’s prescription coverage, which can help you decide if you need to switch.

Things to consider when making a change

Budget changes

Did you have changes to your budget that may affect how much you can pay toward medical costs? If so, consider things like premiums, deductibles, copayments and prescriptions. 

Health care needs

Are you expecting to have surgery, treatment or more doctor’s appointments next year? Consider these types of things when reviewing your policy to help you decide if you need more coverage.

Travel plans

Are you planning on traveling abroad? Original Medicare may not cover medical care overseas. If you’re taking a trip, you may want to consider additional coverage that can cover you for emergencies.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period FAQ

The Annual Enrollment Period, also known as the Open Enrollment Period, lets you enroll in certain plans, change coverage or leave a plan.

The Initial Enrollment Period is when you first become eligible for Medicare at age 65 and can enroll in the plan of your choice.

You may be able to make changes to your Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage coverage if certain life events happen. This can include things like moving out of your plan’s coverage area or losing your insurance. 

You can make changes during Special Enrollment Periods, but the timeframes may vary. For more information, call a licensed insurance agent at 800-793-8972.

It might. That’s why it’s important to check the details for any plan you’re considering switching to. 

You can easily compare plan information online like:

  • Which doctors are in the new plan’s network.
  • Prescription costs and restrictions like step therapy or quantity limits.

No. AEP is specifically for switching Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, not Medigap policies. 

More information about Medicare plans

Understanding Medicare annual enrollment

Article: 9 minutes

Read article: Understanding Medicare annual enrollment

What is Medicare Part D: An overview

Article: 5 minutes

Read article What is Medicare Part D An overview

Medicare Advantage plan considerations

Article: 7 minutes

Read article Medicare Advantage plan considerations

Get your questions answered before AEP ends.

Schedule a time that’s convenient or call us when you're ready. 

Schedule a call

Call 800-793-8972

For TTY devices, dial 711

Hours of operation for USAA Health Solutions

Monday to Friday:
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
Saturday and Sunday:
Closed

Note: Days and times may vary

Related footnotes:

  1. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  2. USAA Life General Agency Disclosures

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