The Annual Election Period is Upon Us!

Every year, between October 15 and December 7, Medicare gives you a chance to review your coverage and make changes if needed. This time frame is called the Annual Election Period (AEP), and the choices you make will take effect on January 1.

For many people, this season feels overwhelming. You receive a lot of mailers, TV commercials, and phone calls. But here's the truth, AEP doesn't have to be stressful. With a little preparation (and some local guidance), you can walk into the new year confident that your coverage still fits your needs.

What Can You Do During AEP?

Think of AEP as your yearly “check-up” for Medicare. During these weeks, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or the other way around
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
• Return to Original Medicare if you’re in Medicare Advantage (with or without adding Part D)

What you can’t do during AEP: Enroll in Medicare Part A or B for the first time, or freely change your Medigap (supplement) coverage. Those follow different rules.

Why This Window Matters

Even if you like your current plan, it’s important to check in. Medicare plans are allowed to make changes every year, and those changes could affect your wallet or your care.
Your plan might:

• Raise or lower premiums and copays
• Adjust which drugs are covered (or move them to a more expensive tier)
• Change its network of doctors or hospitals
• Add or remove extra benefits

If you don’t review your plan, you might not notice these changes until it’s too late—meaning higher costs or unexpected coverage gaps in 2026.

How to Get Ready

Here’s a simple way to prepare for AEP without getting lost in the weeds:

1. Make a list of your medications (name, dosage, frequency).
2. Write down your doctors and preferred pharmacy.
3. Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This arrives in the mail every fall and spells out what’s changing.
4. Compare options. Medicare’s Plan Finder tool is a good start, but a local agent (like us here at Prairie Grove Insurance) can help break down the details.
5. Don’t wait until December 7. Plans must get your enrollment change before the deadline.

📌 Quick Tips for AEP

• Start reviewing your options early—waiting until December is stressful.
• Don’t assume your current plan is still your best choice.
• Be cautious of telemarketing calls. Medicare will never call you to enroll.
• If you’re in Wisconsin, remember our Medigap rules are different from other states. Local advice matters!

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If December 7 passes and you didn’t make changes, you’ll stay in your current plan for another year—unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
There’s also a smaller window from January 1 to March 31 called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare at that time.

Don’t Go It Alone

Medicare is complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Whether you’re helping a parent, managing your own coverage, or just want a second set of eyes on your plan, AEP is the perfect time to sit down with a trusted resource.
Here at Prairie Grove Insurance, we sit down with people across Wisconsin every fall to review their plans. We’ll check your prescriptions, doctors, and budget—and make sure you head into the new year with peace of mind.

👉 Final Thought: Treat AEP like spring cleaning—once a year, take a good look at your coverage and make sure it still fits. A little effort in the fall can save you a lot of money and frustration in the year ahead.

​To Get Help Now, Call Our Office!

​Rob and Carrie Davies
Prairie Grove Insurance
800-254-5200
​608-839-0275