Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs every year from October 15 through December 7. During this window, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, return from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or add, drop, or change a Part D prescription drug plan. Changes requested by December 7 take effect January 1.
Important: Annual Enrollment does not
automatically give you the right to switch to a different Medigap policy without medical underwriting. Cilella Insurance helps clients in Morgantown, West Virginia, and across 14 licensed states compare their options and make confident Medicare coverage decisions at no cost.
Step 1: Gather Your Current Plan Information
Start with the materials you already have. Your Annual Notice of Change, often called the ANOC, is especially important because it outlines how your Medicare plan will change for the coming year.
Have your current Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plan information available. You should also make a current list of your prescriptions, including the medication name, dosage, how often you take it, and which pharmacy you prefer to use.
It also helps to write down the doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers you want to keep. This gives you a complete picture before comparing next year’s options.
Step 2: Identify What’s Changed
Even if you have been happy with your plan, it is worth reviewing every year. Medicare plans can change their monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, maximum out-of-pocket amounts, provider networks, pharmacy networks, and prescription drug formularies.
Pay close attention to whether your medications are still covered and whether they have moved to a different cost tier. A medication that was affordable this year may have a higher copay next year—or may require prior authorization or step therapy.
Also verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals remain in-network if you have a Medicare Advantage
plan. Plan availability and provider networks vary by county. A plan available in Monongalia County, West Virginia, may not be offered in another West Virginia county or in another state Cilella Insurance serves.
Step 3: Understand What You Can Change During AEP
During Medicare Annual Enrollment, you can make several important changes:
- Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
- Join, switch, or drop a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.
- Choose a Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage, when available.
If you return to Original Medicare, you may want to explore a Medicare Supplement policy and a stand-alone drug plan. However, switching or buying Medicare Supplements
outside of your personal Medigap Open Enrollment Period may involve medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue right. That is a key detail to review before making a change.
Step 4: Compare Your Options—and What to Watch For
Do not compare plans based only on the monthly premium. A $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan may be a strong fit for one person, while another person may need a different network, stronger prescription coverage, or lower out-of-pocket costs for frequent care.
When reviewing plans, compare:
- Monthly premium and annual deductible
- Primary-care and specialist copays
- Maximum out-of-pocket protection
- Prescription drug formulary and pharmacy pricing
- Doctor, hospital, and specialist access
- Dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and over-the-counter benefits
- Plan rules, including referrals and prior authorization requirements
For people who take regular medications, reviewing Prescription Drug Plans
carefully can be one of the most valuable parts of the process. The lowest premium is not always the lowest total cost once medication copays are included.
Step 5: Make the Switch—and Know What Happens Next
Once you choose a new plan, submit your enrollment request before December 7. Your new coverage generally begins January 1. Keep your confirmation information and watch for plan materials, including your member ID card, evidence of coverage, provider directory, and pharmacy information.
Do not assume every change happens automatically. If you are changing from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, review whether you need to enroll in a separate Part D plan and whether a Medicare Supplement policy is available to you.
Before January 1, confirm that your doctors accept the new plan, refill time-sensitive prescriptions when appropriate, and bring your new member ID card to appointments and the pharmacy after your new coverage starts.
Common AEP Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is keeping a plan simply because it worked well last year. Plan benefits, networks, and drug coverage can change from year to year.
Another mistake is choosing a plan without checking every prescription. Drug coverage can differ greatly between plans, even when the monthly premiums look similar.
Finally, do not wait until the last few days of Annual Enrollment. Taking time to review your choices early can help you avoid rushed decisions and give you time to ask questions about doctors, medications, and costs.
Why Working With an Independent Agent Saves You Time and Money
An independent Medicare agent can help you compare available plans based on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and preferred coverage. At Cilella Insurance, we take a practical, education-first approach to helping Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions.
Because Cilella Insurance is based in Morgantown, WV, while serving clients across 14 states, we understand that Medicare options are local. What is available in Monongalia County may differ from options in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Texas, or another state we serve. We help you review plans available where you
live—not just generic options.
Visit our Medicare overview
to learn more about your coverage choices, then use our Contact page
to request help reviewing your options.
FAQ
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes made during this period generally become effective January 1.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans during Open Enrollment?
Yes. You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another during Annual Enrollment, subject to plan availability in your county.
Can I change my Part D prescription drug plan?
Yes. During Annual Enrollment, you can join, change, or drop a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Can I switch my Medigap plan during Annual Enrollment?
You may apply to change Medigap plans, but Annual Enrollment does not create a general federal guaranteed right to switch without underwriting. Your options depend on your state, health situation, carrier rules, and whether you qualify for a guaranteed-issue right.
How much does it cost to work with Cilella Insurance?
Cilella Insurance offers no-cost Medicare plan reviews. We can help you compare available coverage and understand the enrollment process before you make a decision.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15. Don’t wait until December—deadlines come fast. Call Cilella Insurance at 304.988.5552 or visit our Contact page for a no-cost plan review today.