How to Navigate Your Medicare Options During the Annual Enrollment Period

The average Medicare beneficiary in 2023 has access to 43 Medicare Advantage plans, the largest number of options ever, according to KFF. With so many plans to choose from, the Medicare and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), taking place from October 15 to December 7, may be overwhelming and confusing.

“The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is when you can shop for a new plan, if you want to,” says Kate Long, consumer financial wellness advocate at Assurance IQ. “If you have a new doctor, are taking new prescriptions or if your existing plan simply no longer meets your need...