Medicare Annual Election Period
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The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15, 2026, to December 7, 2026. During this time, people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes to their Medicare Advantage (Part C) or prescription drug plans (Part D) for coverage that begins January 1, 2027.

What you can do during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Compare plans: Use tools on Medicare.gov to compare 2026 health and drug plan options, as costs and benefits may change annually.
Switch plans: You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
Change your Medicare Advantage plan: You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch to one that includes drug coverage.
Change or drop a Part D plan: You can join a new Medicare prescription drug plan, or drop one entirely.
Update your insurer: You can switch to a new insurer or a new plan with your current insurer.

Key dates:

October 15, 2026: The Annual Enrollment Period begins, and you can start comparing and enrolling in 2026 plans.
December 7, 2026: The last day of the Annual Enrollment Period to make changes for 2026 coverage.
January 1, 2027: Your new plan changes will take effect.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

25 Years of Helping You Plan What’s Next

More choices. More confidence.
More time for what you enjoy.

For 25 years, Greater Tri-Cities IPA has helped North County patients stay connected to trusted independent physicians while navigating important healthcare decisions. During Medicare Annual Enrollment, we’re here to help you understand your options, find a GTCIPA primary care physician, and move forward with greater confidence.

Find Your
GTCIPA Doctor

Learn About Medicare AEP

Important things to do during the AEP period:

1. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC):

By the end of September, you should receive this notice from your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, which details changes for the upcoming year.

2. Use the Medicare Plan Finder:

Compare your options with a licensed agent or use Medicare.gov and take advantage of new features like provider filtering to ensure you keep your Greater Tri Cities Primary Care Physician

3. Enroll:

If you decide to make a change, enroll in your new plan before the December 7 deadline.

4. If you're happy:

If your current plan still meets your needs, you don’t have to do anything, and your coverage will likely auto-renew for January 1.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions or need assistance with any of these items contact your health insurance agent. If you need an agent please see the list of our trusted agents who can answer your questions and assist you with your enrollment.

Greater Tri Cities IPA contracts with most of the Health Insurance Carriers in San Diego County, for a full list of Contracted Health Plans click here: GTC Health Plans

*Greater Tri Cities does not contract with all the available health insurance plans in San Diego County

Local Independent Physicians Throughout North County San Diego

Find a GTCIPA Primary Care Physician for Your Client

Greater Tri-Cities IPA connects patients with independent primary care physicians throughout North County San Diego.

Our network includes 45+ primary care physicians and 170+ specialists, helping brokers connect clients with local healthcare options close to home.