The Annual Election Period for Medicare runs every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa, or change your drug plan. Changes take effect on January 1, and if you do nothing, your plan will be automatically renewed.
Every year between October 15 and December 7, all Medicare participants can make changes to their health and drug insurance plans. This period is called the Annual Election Period (AEP). The decisions you make during this time will take effect on January 1 of the following year. If you do nothing, your current plan will automatically renew.
| Period | When | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Election Period | October 15 – December 7 | Switch Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, change drug plan (Part D) |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January – March | For MA enrollees only: one plan change or return to Original Medicare |
| Special Enrollment Period | After an event (e.g., plan withdrawn) | Change outside the deadline |
Why is this so important?
Many seniors treat Medicare as something permanent, while its terms can change from year to year. Insurance companies modify their offerings, introduce new rates, and restrict provider networks. At the same time, your own health needs may change as new medications, diagnoses, or doctors enter the picture.
The Annual Election Period is the only time of year when you can adjust your plan to your current situation. It is an opportunity to find a cheaper or more comprehensive plan that better covers your medical costs. For many people, changing plans means saving hundreds of dollars a year, and sometimes easier access to doctors and pharmacies as well.
What changes can you make?
From October 15 to December 7, you can switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to Medicare Advantage (Part C) or vice versa. You can also change your drug plan (Part D) if another offer better suits your needs. People using Medicare Advantage can choose another plan of this type or return to traditional Medicare.
Each of these decisions is important. Changing plans can affect your monthly premiums, drug copayments, and which doctors and pharmacies will serve you at no extra cost.
What to look out for before making a decision
The first step is to look at your total insurance costs. Many people focus solely on the monthly premium, which is only part of the picture. It is also worth checking how much you will pay out of pocket for visits, tests, hospitalization, and medications. Make sure the plan has a reasonable annual out-of-pocket maximum, which protects you from excessive costs in case of illness.
Another issue is the network of doctors and pharmacies. Medicare Advantage plans operate on a network basis. If your doctor or pharmacy stops being “in-network,” it could mean higher bills or having to change specialists. It is also worth making sure all your medications are on the plan’s refund list (the formulary) and that copays haven’t increased.
Every plan sends an annual document called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). It contains all the changes that will take effect in the new year. Review it carefully, because it’s the source of many surprises that are better discovered early than after the fact.
Pre-decision checklist:
- total costs (not just the premium)
- out-of-pocket maximum limit
- whether your doctors and pharmacies are in-network
- whether your medications are on the formulary
- the ANOC document from your plan
How to prepare for your choice
It is best to start preparing at the beginning of the enrollment period, in mid-October. Open all mail that comes from your plan, especially the ANOC document. Write down what medications you take, which doctors treat you, and what your monthly costs are.
Next, visit the official Medicare.gov website, where you will find a free tool to compare plans in your area. The system will show you available options, premium and copay costs, and which pharmacies are in-network.
If you have doubts, you can call the Medicare helpline or ask for help from an advisor through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). In many states, Polish-speaking advisors are also available to help you understand contract details and compare offers.
This article comes from the 2027 Polish Pages book.
What to do if you live between Poland and the USA
A growing number of Polish seniors split their time between two countries. In this case, it’s worth remembering that Medicare does not cover medical treatment outside the United States. If you plan frequent trips or a stay in Poland, make sure you have Polish health insurance (from the National Health Fund – NFZ) or additional travel insurance that protects you in case of sudden illness abroad.
People planning an extended stay in Poland should consider whether it pays to keep a Medicare Advantage plan, which operates locally, or rather stick with Original Medicare supplemented with Medigap-style policies. It is worth consulting an advisor before making a decision.
What if you miss the deadline?
If you do not make changes by December 7, your current plan will automatically renew for another year. In some cases, however, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), for example if your plan is withdrawn from the market or conditions change in a way you do not accept.
People who use Medicare Advantage have one additional change period between January and March, known as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. During this time, you can change your plan once or return to traditional Medicare. However, it is best to act during the regular fall window, as that is when plan choices are greatest.
Changes to consider this year
The past year brought several important updates. In some states, the number of available Medicare Advantage plans has decreased, so people living in rural areas may have fewer options than before. Drug formularies in Part D plans have also changed. Some medications have moved to more expensive tiers, which means higher copays.
It is also worth paying attention to new regulations regarding insulin and prescription drug prices. In many plans, the maximum monthly copay for insulin has been capped, which is a major relief for people with diabetes. On the other hand, plans with low premiums may introduce higher out-of-pocket costs for hospitalization, so it pays to carefully compare all elements of the offer.
Summary
Medicare Open Enrollment is not a bureaucratic chore, but an opportunity. It is a moment when you can evaluate whether your current insurance truly works for you. Review costs, the doctor network, the list of medications, and plan changes. Do it in advance, before the deadline passes.
An informed decision about choosing a Medicare plan is an investment in your health, peace of mind, and security. A well-chosen plan means less stress, fewer unexpected bills, and more peaceful days.
Elżbieta Baumgartner is the author of numerous advisory books, including “Estate Planning, or How to Put Your Affairs in Order in the US and Poland” and “How to Hide Money from the Taxman.” They are available in electronic format on the Poradnik Sukces website: www.PoradnikSukces.com, [email protected], tel. 1-718-224-3492.
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The materials are for informational purposes and do not constitute legal, tax, financial, or medical advice. Regarding specific situations, it is always worth consulting a specialist. The authors and publisher assume no liability for the consequences of using this information.
