What's the difference between AEP and Open Enrollment?

People often use them interchangeably. AEP (Annual Enrollment Period, Oct 15 - Dec 7) is for all Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - Mar 31) is only for current MA members.

Do I have to do anything during AEP?

No. If you're happy with your plan and have read your ANOC, you can let it auto-renew. But reviewing yearly is a good habit because plans change.

When does new coverage start?

Coverage from changes made during AEP starts January 1 of the following year.

Can I cancel Medicare Advantage during AEP?

Yes — by switching back to Original Medicare. Make sure you also enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan, and consider whether you can or should add Medigap.

Is there a penalty for switching plans during AEP?

No. AEP changes have no penalty. The Part D late enrollment penalty applies only when you don't have any creditable drug coverage for 63+ days.

Douglas County, KS · AEP

Medicare Annual Enrollment In Douglas County, Kansas

Every year, October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage. Here's how to make it count.

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Medicare information reviewed and updated April 2026 · 2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month

The Confusing Enrollment Period Naming

Medicare uses several enrollment periods with similar names. Here's what each one is:

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Oct 15 - Dec 7. For all Medicare beneficiaries. Most plan changes happen here.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP)

Jan 1 - Mar 31. For current MA members only. One change permitted.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The 7-month window around your 65th birthday. First-time enrollment in Medicare.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Jan 1 - Mar 31. For people who missed their IEP. Coverage starts the month after enrollment. Late penalties may apply.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Triggered by qualifying life events. Timing varies by event type.

Medigap Open Enrollment

6 months starting when you're 65 AND on Part B. Different rules from MA/Part D enrollment periods.

What You Can Do During AEP

Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
Switch between Medicare Advantage plans
Switch between Part D plans
Enroll in Part D for the first time (with possible late penalty)
Drop Part D coverage entirely

What You Cannot Do During AEP

Switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting (usually)
Enroll in Medigap without qualifying rights
Make changes that take effect before January 1

Key Dates

Sept 30

ANOC arrives in mail from current plan

Oct 15

AEP opens

Dec 7

AEP closes

Jan 1

New coverage begins

Mar 31

MA OEP closes (final change for the year)

The Douglas County AEP Checklist

Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Update your medication list with names, dosages, frequencies
Update your doctor list (any new specialists?)
Compare plans on Medicare.gov Plan Finder, with SHICK, or with a licensed agent
Make changes before December 7
Verify new coverage is active in January (first appointment, first pharmacy fill)

Where Douglas County Residents Can Get Help

SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas)

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling provided by trained volunteers. Not affiliated with any insurance carrier. Find a counselor through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

Douglas County Senior Resource Center

Local senior services organization that can help connect you with Medicare counselors and broader senior resources.

Licensed insurance agents (like Adam)

Independent agents represent multiple carriers and can compare options across the market. Paid by carriers, not clients — consultations are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

Adam

Licensed Kansas Agent · AHIP Certified

Lawrence native — Free State HS · BS Finance, KU

Talk With Adam — No Pressure, No Cost

I grew up in Lawrence, graduated from Free State High School, and earned a BS in Finance from the University of Kansas. Most of the people I help are turning 65 or reviewing their current Medicare coverage.

No pressure, no sales pitch — just clear answers when you're ready to talk.

☎ (785) 843-0288

Want Help With Your AEP Review?

One conversation can save hours of comparison.

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