5 Tips To Get Ready for Medicare AEP 2025

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is right now.

In case you’re happy with your current Medicare plan or considering new options for 2025, a little preparation can help you make the best choices for your health and budget.

With plan changes, new offerings and important deadlines coming up, knowing what to expect is key to a smooth AEP.

We’ll share 5 useful tips to help you get ready for AEP and explain how Healthpilot can help you in the process.

Enroll in a Medicare plan during AEP!

What Is Medicare AEP and Why Is It Important? The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage.

Running from October 15 to December 7 , AEP gives you the opportunity to review your current Medicare plan and decide whether it’s still the best fit for your needs in the upcoming year.

Any changes you make during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Why Is AEP important? Medicare AEP is important because your health needs, medications or budget may change yearly, the same way Medicare plans change yearly.

Each new year, insurance providers often make updates to their plan costs, coverage options and drug formularies.

What worked for you this year might not be the best option next year, which is why this AEP period is important.

It’s your chance to:

Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. Change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to make sure your medications are covered at the best possible price. Explore new plan options that might save you money or offer better benefits.

Before exploring new Medicare plans and options, we’ll provide you with 5 essential tips for AEP and guide you on how to tackle any obstacles you might encounter during the process.

Tip 1: Watch Out for Letters From Your Insurance Carrier As AEP nears, be on the lookout for letters and notices from your insurance carrier. These usually contain key updates about changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan for the next year.

You might get documents like the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC). These will outline updates to premiums, copayments, covered medications and provider networks.

Quick Tip: Create a folder (physical or digital) to keep all your insurance-related mail in one place. That way, you can easily access the information you need to make informed choices about your coverage.

Tip 2: Mark Your Calendar for October 1 October 1 is an important date for AEP, as insurance companies release updated plan information for the next year.

By marking this date on your calendar or setting a notification on your mobile phone, you’ll be ready to start comparing new plan options and understand what changes are coming.

On October 1, visit Healthpilot to browse the available 2025 plans. This early preview gives you a head start on researching different Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, allowing you explore the benefits, coverage and costs of each.

By familiarizing yourself with the options ahead of AEP’s official start, you can make a more informed decision when it’s time to enroll.

Quick Tip : Set a reminder for October 1 to check the new plan details. Reviewing your options early will help you be ready for AEP on October 15.

Don’t miss enrollment dates.

Read our insights!

Tip 3: Compare Your Current Plan to New Options When the new plans for the upcoming year are released, take a moment to review your current coverage and compare it with the new options. You can compare your current coverage changes to other options by creating an account on Healthpilot.

Medicare plans can change things like premiums, deductibles, copayments and even the list of covered drugs each year. So, it’s smart to double-check if your current plan still meets your healthcare needs and budget.

Look for changes in:

Monthly premiums : Has your current plan's cost increased, or is there a more affordable option available? Prescription drug coverage : Are your medications still covered? Are there new plans that offer better savings on the prescriptions you need? Healthcare provider networks : Does your plan still include your preferred doctors and pharmacies? Out-of-pocket costs : Compare copays, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits to find the best balance between coverage and cost.

If you visit the doctor frequently, a plan with a higher premium but lower copays might save you money in the long run

Tip 4: Be Proactive on October 15 October 15 is the official start of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and marks your chance to make changes to your Medicare coverage.

Setting a reminder gives you plenty of time to enroll without feeling rushed. If you’ve already compared plans and picked your favorites, this is the day to go back and complete your enrollment.

Quick Tip: Block out some time in your schedule around October 15 to sit down, review your final choice and complete the enrollment process.

Tip 5: Why Choosing the Right Medicare Partner Is Essential Finding the right Medicare coverage can be complicated and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. Not all insurance partners operate with your best interests at heart.

Some companies work on commission, which can influence the advice you receive and make it harder to get the transparency you need.

The right partner will:

Provide clear information : You deserve to know exactly what you're getting into. A trustworthy partner will break down complex details and answer your questions, so you can make informed decisions. Offer unbiased guidance : Many insurance agents work on commission, which can affect their recommendations. A good Medicare partner focuses on finding the plan that’s right for you, not on which plan gives them the biggest payout. Help you avoid spam and pressure : Navigating Medicare shouldn’t come with spam calls or pressure to enroll. Your partner should respect your privacy and make the process straightforward. This is where Healthpilot steps in. We believe in transparency and support. Our licensed agents focus on giving you the best service and advice, so our priority is you. If your best plan option is staying in your current plan, we will let you know.

Our experts take time to understand your unique healthcare needs so you can feel confident in your coverage choices

Learn About AEP Medicare With Healthpilot Healthpilot provides customized Medicare plan recommendations, simplifying the process and aligning with your personal health needs.

To help you choose the right plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, we provide the insights and tools you need.

At Healthpilot, you can expect:

Personalized recommendations: Tailored advice based on your specific doctors and medications. Easy plan comparison: Compare different plans, with costs and benefits included. Flexible enrollment options: Complete the enrollment process entirely online or opt for assistance if needed. Annual plan review: Regular checkups to adjust your plan as your health needs change. Free to use: Our service is free for you with no obligation to enroll, we receive compensation from our carrier partners upon your enrollment. Trusted partnerships: We collaborate with well-known and reliable companies in the industry. Just answer a few questions, review your personalized plan recommendation and enroll online easily.

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