This article covered AEP 2026, which ended December 7, 2025.
The next Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7, 2026. See our mid-year checklist to get ready or read what's changing for 2027.
Medicare Enrollment Guide for 2026 Coverage | Vancouver, WA
October 15 - December 7, 2025 • Your chance to review and change Medicare coverage
Annual Enrollment for 2026 coverage ran October 15 through December 7, 2025. During that window, Medicare beneficiaries could review and change their coverage for 2026. As your local Medicare broker in Vancouver, WA, I help clients navigate this period every year — see the note above for the current enrollment window.
Important AEP 2026 Dates
What People Walk In Believing
Most people arrive in October having already decided something bad is happening. National coverage does that. The alarming version of a Medicare story travels further than the dull one, so the alarming version is the one that reaches you.
What I actually do is narrower and duller than the headlines. I read your letter. Your Annual Notice of Change describes what is changing on your plan, and it is the only document in this whole process that is about you rather than about the market.
Plans do change, and some years bring real disruption here. But the change that matters to you is the one in your envelope, and working out what it means takes about ten minutes.
The Call I Get Every January
Someone rings in January, upset, because their doctor is not covered any more.
The letter told them. It went out months earlier and it went in the pile.
The clearest recent example: the Vancouver Clinic stopped taking certain UnitedHealthcare PPO plans. I reached out to the clients I thought it would affect. Some did not get back to me. By January they had discovered they could not get in, and enrollment had closed on December 7.
We sorted most of it using the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs January through March. That window exists for exactly this situation. But it allows one move only, it does not cover everyone, and I would rather never need it.
So, the short version
Open the letters. If a carrier writes to you between September and December, something changed. It is rarely urgent, and it is usually less dramatic than the news implies. It is still worth ten minutes before December 7 rather than a phone call in January.
Step-by-Step AEP Action Plan
Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Your current plan should have sent you an ANOC by September 30th. This document shows what's changing in your plan for 2026. Look for changes in premiums, deductibles, copays, and covered benefits.
List Your Current Healthcare Needs
Make a list of your doctors, medications, and any planned procedures. This will help you compare plans effectively and ensure your needs are covered.
Compare Available Plans
Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder or work with a local broker to compare all available plans in your area. Don't just look at premiums—consider total out-of-pocket costs.
Enroll Before December 7th
Once you've decided, enroll in your chosen plan. Remember, your last enrollment before December 7th will be the one that takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Common AEP Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Make These Mistakes:
Timing Mistakes
- • Waiting until the last minute
- • Not reviewing your ANOC
- • Missing the December 7th deadline
Comparison Mistakes
- • Only looking at premiums
- • Not checking provider networks
- • Ignoring prescription coverage
Why Work with a Local Medicare Broker?
Local Expertise
I understand Vancouver's healthcare landscape and can help you find plans that work with your local providers.
No Cost to You
My services come at no cost to you. I'm compensated by the insurance companies, not by you.
Ongoing Support
I'm here year-round to help with questions, changes, and any issues that arise with your coverage.
Get Your No-Cost AEP Consultation
Ready to Navigate AEP 2026?
Don't go through AEP alone. Get expert guidance from a local Medicare broker who understands Vancouver's healthcare landscape and can help you find the perfect plan for your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to change my Medicare plan during AEP?
A: No, you're not required to change your plan. However, it's wise to review your current plan as benefits, costs, and provider networks may change for 2026. Your current plan might not be the best option anymore.
Q: Can I change my mind after enrolling in a new plan?
A: Yes, you can make changes during AEP (October 15 - December 7). Your last enrollment before December 7th will be the one that takes effect on January 1, 2026. After December 7th, you'll generally be locked into your choice until next year's AEP.
Q: How much does it cost to work with a Medicare broker?
A: Working with a licensed Medicare broker like myself comes at no cost to you. We're compensated by the insurance companies, not by you. This means you get expert guidance at no cost to help you find a plan that may best fit your needs.
Q: What if I miss the December 7th deadline?
A: If you miss the AEP deadline, you'll generally be stuck with your current plan for 2026, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to certain life events like moving, losing coverage, or qualifying for extra help.
⚠️ Important Disclaimers
American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 33 products in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.