How long does the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) last?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) lasts for a specified duration that is longer than just one month. During this period, which typically runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, individuals with Medicare can make changes to their coverage. This includes switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, changing from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or altering their prescription drug coverage.

The AEP is crucial for ensuring that beneficiaries can review their options annually and adjust their healthcare plans according to their needs for the upcoming year, highlighting the importance of the extended duration beyond just one month. Other enrollment periods, like the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage, have different timelines and contexts, but the AEP is specifically structured to span this 54-day timeframe each fall.