FAQ for the 2025 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
Every year the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 – December 7. To help Medicare beneficiaries prepare, here are common frequently asked questions and answers.
“How do I know what kind of Medicare coverage I have?”
Generally, beneficiaries have either Original Medicare coverage or Managed Medicare with a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan.
“How do I know if I have Original Medicare?”
Your Medicare card is red, white, and blue, and you show it to doctors for health coverage. You may also have a card for medications from a Medicare drug plan that you show to your pharmacist.
“How do I know if I have Managed Medicare with a MA Plan?”
You already enrolled in Medicare Part A and B, but, in addition to the red, white and blue card, you have a card that has the word “Advantage” in it, says “HMO” or “PPO”, says the name of your primary care provider, and may show “Medicare Rx coverage” on the card.
“If I have Original Medicare, what can I do during AEP?”
You can re-evaluate your Medicare drug plan and join a plan with the lowest cost for 2026 with a good star rating or you can explore switching to a Managed Medicare HMO or PPO Plan.
“If I have Managed Medicare through a MA Plan, what can I do during AEP?”
Ensure that your doctor or medical group will still accept your plan. Last year, there were major disruptions to MA Plan doctors and hospital networks. You can also change MA HMO or PPO Plans. Lastly, you can switch back to Original Medicare and add a Part D Drug Plan.
“How will I know if my plan is changing?”
Medicare Part D and C plans must let you know if costs are going up or if your doctor network is changing. Look out for the plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that may come by email or by mail.
Although the AEP ends December 7th, members whose Medicare HMO or PPO are not continuing have more time to decide. If that happens to you, read and keep your plan letters for proof of your extended enrollment rights. To schedule a 1:1 appointment with one of our Medicare Counselors, call (408) 350-3200, option 1.