The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time Medicare recipients are encouraged to determine if their health care needs have changed and if there may be changes to their current plan in the new year. AAA recommends sitting down with a professional advisor to evaluate whether your current Medicare plan will change and if another plan might better meet your needs and budget. The Medicare plan selected during AEP will take effect January 1, 2026.

Current Medicare recipients should receive their plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by the first week of October. This notice will review changes to the benefits and costs of their current Medicare plan for 2026.

With more than 80 plans to choose from, entering the world of Medicare can lead to more questions than answers. Changes to Medicare plans can impact key aspects of healthcare including choice of doctor, prescription drug coverage, and cost. Therefore, it is very important for recipients to review Medicare plan coverage options for 2026 to ensure that they are enrolled in a plan that best meets their health care needs. AAA’s Medicare advisors can guide individuals to ensure they receive adequate coverage.

Medicare is the federal insurance program for people who are 65 or older or certain younger people with disabilities. AEP is the time of year that everyone who is Medicare eligible can make changes to their plans.

 
AAA partners with many different insurance carriers to offer a wide range of options so that recipients can maximize what their plan offers. Unlike many providers, AAA doesn’t work for insurance carriers, so advisors can offer unbiased assistance to help recipients find a Medicare plan to meet their needs. Services are available to all Medicare eligible individuals in the community, both AAA members and nonmembers alike.

The public can learn more by visiting www.AAA.com/Medicare to schedule an appointment online.

AAA works with familiar carriers like Highmark, Excellus, Univera, and Independent Health, offering more than 80 plans to tailor coverage to individual needs. Within the plans, Medicare has four main "Parts" that cover specific services. These are:

•    Part A for hospital insurance. This is for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some health care services. 
•    Part B for medical insurance. This covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
•    Part C aka Medicare Advantage. This is Medicare through a health care provider.
•    Part D for prescription drug coverage. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare and Medicare-related plans.

By calling, you agree that a AAA Licensed Insurance Agent may contact you. AAA Insurance is provided through AAA Members Insurance Agency of Western & Central New York, Inc, which offers products through AAA-affiliated companies and non-affiliated companies. Not affiliated with any government agency including Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 12 organizations which offer 65+ products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.