What Is AEP?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a yearly opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to evaluate and make changes to their Medicare coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period is also known as the Annual Election Period and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

Running from October 15 to December 7, AEP allows eligible individuals to modify their health and prescription drug plans to suit their changing health needs and budget better.

Any updates or changes made during this time ensure that coverage stays up-to-date and continues to meet specific healthcare needs for the coming year.

Changes That Can Be Made

When adjusting coverage, be sure your choices align with your current health and financial needs. During AEP, Medicare beneficiaries can:

• Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or vice versa.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage to one that does not.​
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t include prescription drug coverage to one that does.
• Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

When Changes Made Will Take Effect

Any updates or changes made during AEP will go into effect on January 1 of the following year. Because AEP takes place at the end of the year, you’ll only have to wait several weeks before beginning to enjoy your new plan.

What Happens if You Miss the Annual Enrollment Period

If you miss the AEP deadline, you may need to wait until the next year’s AEP to make most coverage changes.

In some cases, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience qualifying life events, such as a change in residency or loss of other insurance coverage.

Missing AEP without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period means your current plan will automatically renew for the upcoming year. You’ll still be covered, but your healthcare options may be limited.

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can still make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 to March 31.

During OEP, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. However, you cannot join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time during OEP; you must already be enrolled in one.

Other Important Enrollment Periods

In addition to AEP, other enrollment periods throughout the year allow you to enroll in or make changes to Medicare plans based on specific situations or needs.

• Initial Enrollment

  The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. It lasts for seven months, beginning three months before your 65th birthday month, continuing through your birthday month, and ending three months after.

  During IEP, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Enrolling during this time helps avoid late enrollment penalties and ensures coverage begins as soon as you’re eligible.

• General Enrollment

  The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is from January 1 to March 31 and is for those who missed enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B during their Initial Enrollment Period.

  Coverage for enrollees begins on July 1 of the same year, but enrolling during GEP may incur a late enrollment penalty if applicable. This period excludes Medicare Advantage or Part D changes—it is only for Part A and B enrollment.

• Special Enrollment

  Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) offer flexibility for those who experience qualifying life events, such as moving out of a plan’s service area, losing employer health coverage, or changes in eligibility due to Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs.

  SEP timeframes vary depending on the qualifying event but often last up to 63 days from the event date. During SEPs, individuals may join or switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans without facing late enrollment penalties.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

  From January 1 to March 31, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make one switch, either to a different Medicare Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

  If choosing to return to Original Medicare, you can also join a Part D plan for prescription coverage. Changes made during this time take effect on the first day of the month after the plan receives the request.
  

• Part D Enrollment

  The Part D Enrollment Period aligns with the same timeframes as other enrollment opportunities. You can initially join a Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period or during AEP (October 15 to December 7).

  If you’re enrolling for the first time or returning to Part D coverage after a break, enrolling during these windows prevents penalties and ensures continuous prescription drug coverage.

• Medigap Enrollment

  The Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, enrollment period is six months, beginning when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

  During this time, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy without medical underwriting, meaning insurers can’t deny coverage or charge higher rates based on health conditions.

  After this window, enrolling in a Medigap plan could be more limited, with potential restrictions or higher premiums.

Medicare Advantage Plans in MN

Minnesota offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, allowing beneficiaries to select options that best match their healthcare needs and preferences. These plans often include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs, and some plans may even include prescription drug coverage (MAPD).

Here are some of the top Medicare Advantage plans available in Minnesota:

• Humana Medicare Advantage:

  Known for its extensive provider network and comprehensive coverage options, including plans with $0 premiums and options for prescription drug coverage.

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota:

  Offers a variety of plans tailored to different healthcare needs and budgets, emphasizing preventive care, wellness services, and supplemental benefits.

• Medica Advantage Solution:

  Provides flexible plan options and strong customer service, with plans that often include fitness programs, routine dental and vision coverage, and additional wellness benefits.

• UCare Medicare Plans:

  Offers robust local plans with various benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing coverage, plus a range of prescription drug coverage options and competitive premiums.

• HealthPartners Medicare Advantage:

  Known for high-quality care and local support, these plans often include extra services like fitness memberships, telehealth options, and out-of-state travel coverage.

• Allina Health | Aetna Medicare Advantage:

  A collaboration between Allina Health and Aetna, offering plans with access to a wide network of providers, fitness benefits, and options for dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage:

  Offers a range of plans, including those with fitness programs, over-the-counter benefits, vision and dental services, and a large provider network, often including options with $0 premiums.