Medicare AEP Is Almost Here – Why Reviewing Your Plan in 2025 Is Critical

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is right around the corner, running from October 15 to December 7. This is the one time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can review their coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. If you haven’t looked at your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in over a year, now is the time to act.

The 2026 plan year brings some of the most significant changes we’ve seen in recent history. Here’s what you need to know:

• Carrier Exits Are Coming: Industry experts are projecting a record number of Medicare carriers dropping plans for 2026. This could impact an estimated 2.1 million seniors nationwide. If your plan is being discontinued, you’ll need to select a new one during AEP to avoid gaps in coverage.
  
  
• Major Benefit Changes: Updates to Medicare Part D drug coverage and supplemental benefits are on the horizon. These include changes to prescription drug costs, new benefit designs, and adjustments to out-of-pocket limits.
  
  
• Plan Availability Shifts: With carriers exiting certain markets, your current plan may no longer be offered, or new options may become available that better fit your needs.

• Review Your Current Medicare Coverage: Check your doctors, prescriptions, and extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
  
  
• Compare 2026 Medicare Plans: New plans and benefits will be available starting October 1, so be ready to explore your options.
  
  
• Schedule Your Medicare Review Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Advisors’ calendars fill up quickly during AEP.

If you’ve been on the same plan for more than a year, this is the time to make sure it still works for you. With so many changes coming in 2026, taking action during Medicare AEP could save you money and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Need help reviewing your Medicare plan? Contact us today to schedule your free Medicare plan review and stay ahead of the changes.

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