What Should You Check Before Medicare AEP Opens Oct 15?

Before Oct 15, gather your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), a current list of doctors and pharmacies you visit, and all prescription names and dosages. Having these documents ready lets you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D options quickly once the Annual Enrollment Period opens.

Which documents should you gather?

Start with your plan's ANOC, which arrives by September 30 and lists every change to premiums, copays, deductibles, and covered benefits for the coming year. You will also need your current Medicare card, a complete list of prescription medications with drug name and dosage, names and addresses of your doctors and specialists, and pharmacy locations.

Start with your plan's ANOC, which arrives by September 30 and lists every change to premiums, copays, deductibles, and covered benefits for the coming year. You will also need your current Medicare card, a complete list of prescription medications with drug name and dosage, names and addresses of your doctors and specialists, and pharmacy locations.

Keep these items together:

• Your current Medicare card
• Complete prescription list with drug name, strength, and frequency
• Names and addresses of your primary care doctor and specialists
• Pharmacy names and locations
• Any standing referrals or prior authorizations

Keep paper or digital copies in one folder for easy reference during plan comparisons.

How do you list your drugs correctly?

Write down the exact drug name (brand or generic), milligram strength, and how often you take it—daily, twice daily, or as needed. If you take a 90-day supply through mail order, note that separately. Incorrect dosage or frequency can move a drug to a different tier or require prior authorization under a new plan.

Write down the exact drug name (brand or generic), milligram strength, and how often you take it—daily, twice daily, or as needed. If you take a 90-day supply through mail order, note that separately. Incorrect dosage or frequency can move a drug to a different tier or require prior authorization under a new plan.

Pull this information directly from your pill bottles or your pharmacy's print-out. If you switched medications mid-year, include both the old and new drug so you can verify continued coverage.

Checklist Item	Why It Matters	Where to Find It
ANOC (Annual Notice of Change)	Lists all plan changes for the new year	Mailed by Sept 30; also on plan website
Prescription list (drug, dose, frequency)	Plans tier drugs differently; missing info = wrong tier match	Pill bottles or pharmacy print-out
Doctor and specialist names	Networks change; out-of-network = higher costs	Insurance card, recent EOBs, or provider directory
Pharmacy locations	Preferred pharmacy networks vary by plan	Receipts or plan's online pharmacy finder
Current plan ID card	Needed to verify coverage details during comparison	Wallet or plan portal

What changes should you look for in your ANOC?

Check for premium increases, higher copays or coinsurance, changes to your plan's drug formulary, and whether your doctors or pharmacies remain in-network. Medicare Advantage plans can adjust their service areas, so confirm your ZIP code still qualifies. A prescription may move to a higher tier, or specialist visit copays may rise.

Check for premium increases, higher copays or coinsurance, changes to your plan's drug formulary, and whether your doctors or pharmacies remain in-network. Medicare Advantage plans can adjust their service areas, so confirm your ZIP code still qualifies. A prescription may move to a higher tier, or specialist visit copays may rise.

Look at:

• Prescription tiers: A drug may move from Tier 2 to Tier 3, raising your cost.
• Specialist visit copays: Some plans increase these amounts.
• Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP): This cap can change year to year.
• Dental, vision, or hearing benefits: Plans sometimes reduce or eliminate certain benefits.

If multiple items shift unfavorably, compare at least two other plans before AEP ends December 7.

When should agents start securing their AEP pipeline?

Agents should lock in their lead inventory and scrub compliance documentation well before October 15 so they can handle volume the day enrollment opens. Exclusive Medicare live transfers and call back leads fill quickly in September, and carrier contracting or state-licensing updates can delay onboarding if left to the last week.

Agents should lock in their lead inventory and scrub compliance documentation well before October 15 so they can handle volume the day enrollment opens. Exclusive Medicare live transfers and call back leads fill quickly in September, and carrier contracting or state-licensing updates can delay onboarding if left to the last week.

Verify that your dialer documentation meets TCPA consent requirements, confirm your CRM can tag inbound state and plan type, and set daily cap limits that match your floor's capacity.

How Affordable Medicare Quote handles this

Affordable Medicare Quote works with licensed agents to reserve exclusive inventory—live transfers, call backs, aged leads, or raw data—tailored to your licensed states and expected AEP volume. Because capacity is finite during the busiest enrollment window, early reservation ensures you receive leads when beneficiaries are actively comparing plans. The team coordinates delivery schedules around your onboarding timeline and can adjust daily caps as your floor ramps. All leads are designed to support compliant, consent-based outreach.

Affordable Medicare Quote works with licensed agents to reserve exclusive inventory—live transfers, call backs, aged leads, or raw data—tailored to your licensed states and expected AEP volume. Because capacity is finite during the busiest enrollment window, early reservation ensures you receive leads when beneficiaries are actively comparing plans. The team coordinates delivery schedules around your onboarding timeline and can adjust daily caps as your floor ramps. All leads are designed to support compliant, consent-based outreach.

Frequently asked questions

Can I compare plans before October 15?

Yes. Medicare releases plan details in early October, and you can review options on Medicare.gov or by calling plans directly. You cannot enroll until AEP opens October 15, but gathering information early helps you decide faster.

What if my doctor isn't in any new plan's network?

You can stay in your current plan if the doctor remains in-network there, or you may need to choose a new provider. Confirm network status directly with the doctor's office before deciding, as online directories are not always current.

Do I need to do anything if I'm keeping the same plan?

Not necessarily, but review your ANOC carefully. Even if you don't switch plans, your premiums, copays, or formulary may change for the new year, and you may find better value by comparing other options during AEP.

How long does AEP last?

Medicare AEP runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes you make during this window take effect January 1. Missing the deadline means you must wait until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Where can agents get exclusive Medicare leads during AEP?

Agents can request exclusive live transfers, call backs, aged inventory, or raw data from vendors who filter by state license and match delivery to floor capacity. Early reservation is critical during peak enrollment because inventory fills quickly.

Affordable Medicare Quote · affordablemedicarequote.com · (888) 603-5358