The Medicare Annual Election Period, or AEP, runs every year from October 15 through December 7. It is the main window for Medicare beneficiaries to change their Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans. But life gets busy, the holidays roll in, and sometimes the deadline slips by. If you missed AEP this year, you are not alone, and you still have options.

Here is what you need to know about your next steps and how to get the help you need to stay protected throughout the year.

Explore Whether You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

Missing AEP does not always mean you are locked into your current plan for an entire year. Many people qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, also known as an SEP, that allows them to make changes outside of the usual timeline.

You may qualify for an SEP if any of the following apply:

• You moved out of your plan’s service area
• You recently moved into or out of a skilled nursing facility
• You lost other creditable health coverage
• You experienced a qualifying life event such as Medicaid eligibility changes
• Your Medicare plan is no longer offered in your region

These situations open a temporary window for you to switch plans or enroll in new coverage. Since each SEP has its own rules and deadlines, it is important to talk with a knowledgeable insurance professional to make sure you take action on time.

Check If You’re Eligible for the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have another opportunity to make adjustments. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.

During this time, you can:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
• Add or change your Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

This window does not allow every type of Medicare change, but it can be extremely valuable for fixing mistakes made during AEP or adjusting coverage that is not meeting your needs.

Review Your Current Coverage Carefully

If you missed the deadline, now is the perfect time to evaluate how well your current plan fits your medical, financial, and prescription needs. Even if you must remain in it for a few months, you can prepare for upcoming enrollment opportunities so you are ready to make better choices next time.

Get Professional Guidance

Medicare rules can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to correct a missed deadline. The good news is that you do not have to figure it out alone.

Call our experienced insurance brokers and we will walk you through your options, determine whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, and help you plan your next steps. We are here to make Medicare simple and ensure you feel confident in your coverage all year long.