Medicare Plans
Medicare Open Enrollment in Chicago, IL
Open Enrollment, sometimes called AEP, is the one stretch of the year when almost anyone on Medicare can switch plans without qualifying for anything special. It runs October 15 through December 7, and whatever you pick kicks in January 1, right as lake effect snow starts piling up along Lake Shore Drive.
It's also prime season for mailers, TV spots, and cold calls. Our advice: skip the noise, look at your own drug list and doctors, and make one clear decision.
- October 15 through December 7 every year
- Any change you make takes effect January 1
- Review your drug list and your network first
- Free plan reviews for Cook County residents
What's allowed
Changes you can make during Open Enrollment
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
- Move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, drop, or change a standalone Part D drug plan
Medigap runs on its own clock
Medicare Supplement plans aren't part of Open Enrollment. In Illinois you can apply for a Medigap plan any time, but outside your one-time enrollment window the carrier can ask health questions.
Prepare
A short review beats a long comparison
- 1
Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan mails it every September. It spells out next year's premium, copays, drug tiers, and network changes in one document.
- 2
Update your prescription list
Doses shift, new drugs get added. Bring the current list, since this drives more of your cost than almost anything else.
- 3
Confirm your doctors and hospital
Check whether your Advocate Illinois Masonic, UChicago Medicine, or Loyola Medicine providers stay in-network under next year's directory, not this year's.
- 4
Decide before Thanksgiving
December 7 is firm. Applications filed in the last few days leave no time to fix a mistake.
Other windows
If you miss December 7
Advantage members get a second shot from January 1 to March 31 to make one change, either to a different Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare with a Part D plan. Outside that, you'd need a Special Enrollment Period from something like moving out of a plan's service area or losing employer coverage.
Brand new to Medicare? Your Initial Enrollment Period around turning 65 applies instead. Not sure which window fits you? Read about switching your plan.
Nothing to sign
Book your free Open Enrollment review
We review Chicago clients every fall, whether or not a change ends up making sense this year.