Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, and the ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment runs November 1 – January 15. Here's what you need to know — and why these windows matter.
Every fall, two of the most important windows in health insurance open back to back. If you or a loved one is on Medicare — or shopping for coverage under 65 — these dates shape your options for the entire year ahead. Miss them, and you could be locked into a plan that no longer fits your needs or your budget.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period officially runs October 15 through December 7 every year. During this window, anyone already enrolled in Medicare can:
- •Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
- •Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- •Switch from one Part D (prescription drug) plan to another
- •Drop your Part D coverage entirely
Any changes you make take effect on January 1 of the following year. This is the single best time of year to review your coverage, because plan benefits, drug formularies, and costs can — and often do — change from one year to the next.
Even if you're happy with your current plan, it's worth a yearly review. A small change in your medications or your plan's network can mean big savings — or unexpected costs — if you don't look.
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment
For individuals and families under 65 buying coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. This is when you can enroll in a new plan or make changes to an existing one for the coming coverage year.
- •November 1 — Open Enrollment begins; plans you select can start as early as January 1
- •January 15 — Open Enrollment ends in most states
Outside of this window, you can only enroll or change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — for example, after a qualifying life event like losing job-based coverage, getting married, or moving to a new county.
Why These Dates Matter
These enrollment windows are the one time each year you can step back, compare every option available in your area, and make sure your coverage still fits your health needs and your budget. Plans change. Medications change. Networks change. A complimentary review during AEP is the easiest way to avoid surprises — and to take advantage of new benefits or savings you may not know you qualify for.
We help seniors, veterans, and individuals under 65 compare plans side by side — at no cost to you. Whether you want a quick check that your current plan is still the right fit, or a full walkthrough of every option, we're here to make it simple.
Ready to review your coverage? Schedule a complimentary consultation and we'll walk you through every step — before the deadlines pass.
Have questions about your enrollment options?
We'll walk you through every step — at no cost to you.
