Medicare
Medicare AEP 2027: dates and an agent checklist
By the QuoteDeck team · Updated · 2 min read
The short answer
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026, and changes take effect January 1, 2027. During AEP, people with Medicare can join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period then runs January 1 to March 31, 2027 for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Key Medicare enrollment dates
| Period | Dates | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | October 15 to December 7, 2026 | Anyone with Medicare. Join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Changes start January 1, 2027. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31, 2027 | People already in a Medicare Advantage plan. One change: switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or go back to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. |
| Medigap Open Enrollment Period | Six months, starting the month someone is 65 or older and enrolled in Part B | New Medigap buyers. During this window, insurers cannot use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge more. |
Marketing rule changes for this AEP
Several CMS marketing rules changed on October 1, 2026, just before AEP. The biggest: personal marketing appointments can happen any time after the Scope of Appointment is completed, with no 48-hour wait. The TPMO disclaimer must be given verbally before benefits are discussed, and call recordings must be kept for 6 years.
Read the full breakdown: Scope of Appointment rules for 2027
AEP prep checklist
- Finish carrier certifications and AHIP for plan year 2027 for every carrier you plan to write.
- Review your book: flag clients whose plan is changing its premium, network, drug formulary or benefits for 2027.
- Collect current medications and doctors before each appointment, so you can check formularies and networks for every option.
- Use an SOA workflow that works for same-day appointments now that the 48-hour wait is gone.
- Prepare to present Medicare Advantage or Medigap alongside final expense, dental, vision and hospital indemnity, where they fit the client.
- Plan follow-up for anyone undecided. AEP ends December 7, and clients who wait lose their chance until the next window.
QuoteDeck quotes Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap with final expense, dental and supplemental plans, sends Scope of Appointment and quote request forms, and puts every option in one presentation your client can read in English or Spanish.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for 2027?
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Plan changes made during AEP take effect January 1, 2027.
What is the difference between AEP and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
AEP (October 15 to December 7) is open to anyone with Medicare. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan, and allows one change.
Can clients change Medigap plans during AEP?
AEP covers Medicare Advantage and Part D, not Medigap. Outside a Medigap open enrollment period or a guaranteed issue right, a client switching Medigap plans can usually be medically underwritten. Some states have additional protections.
Sources
Checked on October 3, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the source and your carriers.
This guide is general information for licensed insurance professionals, not legal or compliance advice. Follow CMS, state and carrier requirements that apply to you.
Run AEP appointments from one workspace
SOAs, Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap quotes, cross-sell options and follow-ups, all on the client’s record.