If you’re new to Medicare (or just trying to keep it all straight), the terms “Annual Enrollment” and “Open Enrollment” can be confusing. They sound similar—but they mean very different things.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the difference and make the right moves when the time comes.

🔵 What Is Annual Enrollment?

Also called the Annual Election Period (AEP), this happens every year from:

🗓️ October 15 to December 7

During this time, anyone with Medicare can:

✅ Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
✅ Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
✅ Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
✅ Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan

Any changes made during AEP go into effect on January 1 of the following year.

💡 Best for: Reviewing your current plan and making changes based on your health needs, drug list, or costs.

🟣 What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment refers specifically to the Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Open Enrollment Period. It happens once in your life:

🗓️ It starts the first month you’re 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B.
✅ It lasts for 6 months.

During this window, you can enroll in any Medigap plan with guaranteed issue rights—meaning you can’t be denied coverage or charged more due to pre-existing conditions.

💡 Best for: Getting a Medicare Supplement plan with the best terms and rates.

❗ Important: After this 6-month window, getting a Medigap plan may require medical underwriting—and you could be denied coverage or charged more based on your health.

🔁 Bonus: What About Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

There’s one more! From:

🗓️ January 1 to March 31

This is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

✅ Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
✅ Drop your plan and return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan)

You can’t switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during this time.

📞 Need Help Sorting It Out?

Whether it’s your first time enrolling or you’re reviewing your plan for next year, we’re here to help.

👉 Schedule Your Free Medicare Review

Our licensed advisors make it easy to understand your options and choose the coverage that’s right for you.