Medicare Open Enrollment 2025: Deadlines and What to Do
Every year, Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period gives beneficiaries a critical window to review and change their coverage. Here's what you need to know about 2025 deadlines, plan changes, and the steps to take before time runs out.
October 15 – December 7, 2025 | Changes take effect January 1, 2026
What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — also called Medicare Open Enrollment — runs every year from October 15 through December 7. During this window, Medicare beneficiaries can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
Any changes you make during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year. This is the most important time of year for Medicare beneficiaries — even if you're happy with your current plan, reviewing your options could save you hundreds of dollars in the coming year.
Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year
Insurance carriers can change their Medicare plans annually — including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, formularies (drug lists), and provider networks. A plan that was the best option last year may not be the best fit this year. Here's what could have changed:
- Your plan's premium may have increased
- Your medications may have moved to a higher or lower drug tier
- Your preferred doctors may have left your plan's network
- Better plans with additional benefits (dental, vision, gym membership) may now be available in your area
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
| Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Premiums | Part B premium (~$174.70/mo in 2024) | Often $0 additional premium |
| Drug Coverage | Requires separate Part D plan | Usually included |
| Provider Access | Any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide | Network-based (HMO or PPO) |
| Extra Benefits | None | Often includes dental, vision, hearing, fitness |
| Out-of-Pocket Cap | No cap | Annual cap (varies by plan) |
Your Action Plan for 2025 AEP
✅ Step 1: Review Your Annual Notice of Change
By October 1, your current Medicare plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Review it carefully to see what's changing in your plan for the upcoming year — premiums, deductibles, drug coverage, and network changes.
✅ Step 2: Update Your Drug List
Compare your current medications against the formulary of your current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. Check if any of your drugs have moved to a more expensive tier or been removed from coverage entirely.
✅ Step 3: Compare All Available Plans
New plans enter the market each year. Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov — or work with a licensed Medicare advisor at HealthCoverage Hub for free, personalized plan comparison that factors in your specific doctors, drugs, and budget.
✅ Step 4: Enroll or Switch by December 7
Make your final decision and complete enrollment before the December 7 deadline. Don't wait until the last minute — phone lines get busy in November and December. Acting early ensures you have time to ask questions and make a confident decision.
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