By Susan Stewart, Licensed Insurance Agent
Licensed insurance agents like me call the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that runs between October 15th and December 7th a Wild West Rodeo. Why? Because it seems…well, wild. Think bucking broncos, tight cuts around a barrel, and holding your breath while it happens at unrelenting speed.
What Happens during AEP?
Between those dates, a beneficiary can change their Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug Plan as many times as they want. Then, whichever plan Medicare has on record as of December 7th is the plan that they take into the new year.
Many beneficiaries end up talking to more agents than they can keep track of during the AEP, but then on December7th, they still aren’t sure that they will get the best coverage for their needs in the coming year. Between the commercials and the never-ending calls, it’s easy to get fed up with talking about Medicare. I get it. Insurance agents are as ready for a break as you are after several weeks of long hours and non-stop calls. We love what we do, but it’s a wild west rodeo!
What Medicare changes should you watch out for in 2026?
It’s very important that you understand there are many changes coming to Medicare next year. At the time of this writing, I’m unable to see plans for 2026, but as I redo yearly certifications, I see increased copays and deductibles. I see fewer of the extras that were so important for many people in 2025—food cards and solid dental coverage. I’m advised that carriers are moving towards being solely health insurance providers.
How should you work with an insurance agent?
Did you know that if you’ve worked with an agent you like and trust, that if you take a plan with a different agent, the one you trust isn’t your agent anymore? That might not sound like such a big deal, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen tears when one of my clients changed their plan with someone else (including the carrier) and found out I could no longer help them. They had no contact details for the agent who enrolled them, but still had mine.
If you have a trusted agent, work with only that person. Don’t waste your time going through everything again with a stranger just because you got a call with the hint of a possibly exciting benefit. If you have questions after you take out a plan for 2026 because you’ve seen something on TV or a friend got something you didn’t, call your agent to ask your question.
What can you do to make AEP easier?
How can it be easier for you? That’s worth discussing. If you read my article last month, you’ll remember my number one piece of advice is to be prepared. Seriously. Being prepared for AEP makes all the difference.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Have a list of your doctors, their addresses, your preferred hospital with address and any other providers you want to keep. For example, can you tell me the details about your physical therapist?
- Bring a full list of your prescription medications. Don’t forget what might be in the refrigerator or inhaled. You need to know the name, dose, and how many times a day.
- Come ready to take notes, especially if you review your options multiple times. Include the agent’s name, phone number, the date you spoke and your final decision. Include highlights of the plan itself.
- Ask questions and look at the bigger picture. Don’t be so focused on one benefit that you miss the package that may not be right for you.
Maybe I’m repeating myself, but I’ll say it again: Pay Attention. Take notes. And hold onto the reins. The Wild West Rodeo of AEP will be over on December 7th, and then we’ll all breathe a sigh of relief.