10/11/2026
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱 (𝗔𝗘𝗣) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲!
That crazy time of year when everyone on Medicare has the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Advantage plans or Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), is upon us. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins on October 15th and runs through December 7th every year. This is the time of year when Medicare lets us know the increases to the Part B premiums and IRMAA charges, the Part B deductible, the PDP plan deductible and the maximum out of pocket for the drug plans. It is also when all the Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP's) send out their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) - showing the changes to plan copays, deductibles and premiums, formularies and benefits offered.
Let's do a quick refresher on the difference between a Medicare Supplement plan + Prescription Drug Plan versus a Medicare Advantage plan:
Medicare Supplement Plan + PDP
- You can go to ANY doctor, ANY hospital, ANYWHERE in the United States, as long as that doctor or hospital accepts Medicare (which 98% of doctors do).
- Supplement plans have a monthly premium based on your age (in many states), and the premium may increase each year with inflation and your age.
- You will also have to have a separate, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan, which will also have a premium and a deductible.
- May require underwriting to enroll in Supplement plan
Medicare Advantage Plan
- Usually has a $0 or small monthly premium
- Small copays for every service you receive
- A Maximum Out of Pocket for your copays/year
- The drug plan is often built-in (so no premium)
- They tend to have some additional benefits such as vision, hearing, gym membership, etc.
- Advantage plans are primarily HMO, but there are still a few PPO plans available
There are some major changes this year, including that many existing Advantage PPO plans are terminating, and you will be receiving a plan termination letter or SARS (Service Area Reduction). This creates a terrific opportunity for those people who would like to switch from an Advantage plan to a Supplement plan, and not have to go through underwriting.
If this is something you would like to explore, PLEASE BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR PPO PLAN TERMINATION LETTER!