The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this window, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change your Part D drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

It's a critical window — and one that many beneficiaries don't take full advantage of. Here are the five most common mistakes people make during AEP, and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Assuming Your Current Plan Is Still the Best Option

Insurance carriers adjust their plans every year. Premiums change. Formularies (the list of covered drugs) change. Provider networks change. A plan that was ideal for you in 2025 may not be the best fit in 2026.

Every fall, Medicare sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter to all plan members. This document outlines what is changing in your plan for the upcoming year. Read it carefully. If your plan is increasing its premium, raising copays, removing your doctor from its network, or dropping a medication from its formulary, it may be time to shop around.

Tip: Don't just renew automatically. Use AEP to compare your current plan against alternatives — you may find better coverage at the same or lower cost.

Mistake #2: Not Checking If Your Doctors Are Still In-Network

Provider networks change year to year. Even if your doctor was in-network last year, that doesn't guarantee they'll be in-network in 2026. Before renewing or switching plans, verify that your:

• Primary care physician (PCP)
• Specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, etc.)
• Preferred hospital or surgery center
• Home health agency (if applicable)

...are all included in the new plan's network. You can check using the plan's online provider directory or by calling the plan directly. A licensed agent can also help you verify this quickly.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription drug costs are one of the biggest out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries. During AEP, you should review:

• Whether your current medications are on the plan's formulary
• What tier each drug is placed on (lower tiers = lower copays)
• Whether the plan requires prior authorization or step therapy for any of your drugs
• The plan's pharmacy network — preferred pharmacies often offer lower cost-sharing

In 2026, the new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D makes drug coverage even more valuable. Make sure your plan takes full advantage of this protection.

Mistake #4: Focusing Only on the Monthly Premium

A $0 premium plan sounds appealing — and it may genuinely be the right choice — but premium is only one piece of the cost puzzle. When comparing plans, also look at:

• Deductibles — what you pay before the plan starts sharing costs
• Copays and coinsurance — what you pay per doctor visit, specialist visit, or hospital stay
• Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) — the most you'll pay in a year before the plan covers 100%
• Drug cost-sharing — copays or coinsurance for your specific medications

A plan with a slightly higher premium but a lower MOOP and lower specialist copays may cost you significantly less overall if you use healthcare regularly.

Mistake #5: Missing the Deadline

The AEP deadline is December 7. If you miss it, you generally cannot make changes to your Medicare coverage until the next AEP — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by specific life events such as moving to a new service area, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).

There is also an Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 through March 31, during which you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. However, you cannot use the OEP to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.

How VC Health Can Help

Navigating AEP alone can be stressful. At VC Health, our licensed agents provide personalized, side-by-side plan comparisons at no cost to you. We work with multiple top carriers — Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, Healthspring, and GTL — so we can show you every option available in your area and help you make the best decision for your health and budget.

Don't wait until the last minute. Call us at 1 (888) 592-2613 | TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

VC Health is a licensed insurance agency. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by location and are subject to change. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Contact a licensed agent for personalized guidance. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.