The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) happens every year from October 15 to December 7, and it’s one of the most important times for seniors to review and update their coverage. But too often, people wait until the last minute—or don’t realize they need to take action at all.
At Medicare of Florida, we make sure you’re ready to make smart, confident decisions when AEP arrives. This blog will walk you through a clear, step-by-step checklist to prepare ahead of time, avoid mistakes, and make sure you’re getting the benefits you deserve.
🔄 What Can You Do During AEP?
During AEP, you can:
✔️ Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
✔️ Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
✔️ Join, switch, or drop a Part D (prescription drug) plan
✔️ Make coverage choices that will go into effect January 1 of the following year
💡 Even if you’re happy with your plan now, benefits and costs can change yearly—so it’s always smart to review.
✅ Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Prep Checklist
🗓️ 1. Mark Your Calendar
Write down October 15 – December 7 so you don’t miss your chance to make changes.
💡 Changes made during this time begin January 1 of the upcoming year.
💊 2. Review Your Current Coverage
Ask yourself:
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Is my current plan still meeting my needs?
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Have my medications or doctors changed?
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Have premiums, deductibles, or copays increased?
💡 We’ll review your plan with you—for free—and compare it to other options.
🧾 3. Make a List of Your Current Medications
Include:
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Dosage
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Frequency
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Brand or generic
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Current pharmacy
💡 This helps us check which Part D or Advantage plans will cover your drugs at the lowest cost.
👨⚕️ 4. Check Your Doctors & Specialists
Not all plans work with all providers.
✔️ Make a list of all your current doctors, clinics, and hospitals
✔️ Ensure they’re in-network for any plan you consider switching to
💡 We’ll verify this for you!
💰 5. Look at Your Year-to-Date Healthcare Costs
Gather:
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Copays for doctor visits and specialists
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Prescription costs
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ER or hospital bills
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Dental, vision, or hearing expenses
💡 This will help determine if a new plan could save you money.
🔍 6. Consider Extra Benefits
Think about what your current plan is missing. Many Medicare Advantage plans in Florida include:
🦷 Dental
👓 Vision
👂 Hearing
🚗 Transportation
🛍️ Over-the-counter allowance
🏋️ Fitness programs
💡 If your current plan doesn’t offer these, we’ll find one that does.
📑 7. Request a Free Plan Comparison
Don’t rely on ads or sales calls. Work with a trusted advisor who knows your area.
✔️ We compare every plan available in your zip code
✔️ You get unbiased advice and personalized support
✔️ We do all the paperwork for you
🧠 Bonus Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes
🚫 Don’t assume last year’s plan is still the best
🚫 Don’t wait until the last day to act
🚫 Don’t enroll through a random phone call or flyer
✅ Do ask questions and get help from a licensed agent who cares
📞 Medicare of Florida Is Here to Make AEP Easy
Preparing for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ll help you:
✔️ Review your current plan
✔️ Explore lower-cost options
✔️ Keep your favorite doctors
✔️ Get more benefits without spending more
📞 Call us at 813-553-3822, ext. 102
📧 Email mlbartock@gmail.com
🌐 Visit MedicareofFlorida.com
👉 Let’s get your Medicare plan ready before the rush. Call today and we’ll help you every step of the way! ✅😊