Medicare Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment—What’s the Difference?

Medicare can be confusing, especially when it comes to enrollment periods. Two terms often used interchangeably—Open Enrollment and Annual Enrollment—actually refer to different things. Here's what you need to know:

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7

This is the main time of year when everyone with Medicare can make changes to their coverage. During AEP, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

• Enroll in, drop, or change a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan

Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan 1 – Mar 31

This period is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. During this time, you can:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan

• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (and optionally enroll in a Part D plan)

You cannot switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during this time.

Need Help Choosing the Right Plan?

At Valora Benefits Group, we make Medicare simple. We'll walk you through your options and help you make the best choice for your health and budget.

📞 Call (616) 287-3223 or schedule a free Medicare consultation today!