What Is AEP in Minnesota?

This specific period is your yearly opportunity to reassess and update your Medicare coverage to ensure it matches your evolving healthcare needs.

Whether you’re considering adjustments to meet new health needs, want to change prescription drug coverage, or are curious about different plan options in Minnesota, AEP is the time to make those changes.

Let’s explore what AEP involves, what you can accomplish during this period, how to prepare for it, and your options if you miss this important window.

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.

Preparing for the Medicare AEP

Getting the most out of the Annual Enrollment Period requires preparation. Reviewing your current Medicare coverage and assessing future healthcare needs ensures that any changes you make will serve you well in the coming year.

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.

Medicare AEP vs. OEP

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) serve different purposes and occur at separate times of the year.

In short, AEP is open to all beneficiaries for a broader range of adjustments, while OEP is specific to Medicare Advantage enrollees and allows only limited changes.

At Herself Health, we support you as you navigate the Enrollment Periods with helpful resources, Medicare experts, and educational events.

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:

Health Clinics for Women 60+ in Minnesota

Herself Health is proud to serve Minnesota women aged 60 and up. We take the time to get to know you and understand your healthcare needs and goals. From there, we create tailored treatment plans with a strong emphasis on prevention and mind-body wellness.

We have five convenient office locations, all with spacious parking lots and accessible by bus:

Rosedale Women’s Health Clinic: Our Rosedale clinic is located in the Rosedale Marketplace near the Rosedale Shopping center on the intersection of County Road B2 and Fairview Ave N.

Lyndale Women’s Health Clinic: Our Lyndale clinic is on the corner of West 55th St and Lyndale Avenue S beside a Walgreens.

Crystal Women’s Health Clinic: Our Crystal location is found beside Tower Auto Mart near the intersection of Douglas Drive N and W Broadway.

Highland Park Women’s Clinic: Highland Park is on the corner of Ford Parkway and S Kenneth St within the Highland Center neighboring Hillcrest Park.

Eagan Women’s Health Clinic: Eagan is found tucked on the corner of Rahncliff Rd and Cliff Rd neighboring a Nothing Bundt Cakes store.

Final Thoughts

Medicare enrollment periods can feel overwhelming, but understanding each one allows you to make the best choices for your health and budget. Knowing when to evaluate and adjust your Medicare plan ensures your coverage stays in sync with your evolving healthcare needs.

With a range of Medicare Advantage plans available in Minnesota and resources to support beneficiaries, you have the tools to make informed decisions so you can approach each enrollment season confidently, knowing exactly what AEP is and how it fits into your Medicare journey.

Herself Health specializes in personalized, comprehensive healthcare solutions for women 60 and older. We listen, we care, and we empower you to take charge of your health. Discover the difference today!