Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Yes, you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare during the AEP (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage OEP (January 1 to March 31). Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year, and changes made during OEP take effect the following month.

What changes can be made during AEP?

During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), beneficiaries can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, and join, switch, or drop Part D prescription drug plans. Any changes made will go into effect on January 1 of the next year.

Are Medicare Advantage plans free?

While some Medicare Advantage plans may have $0 premiums, beneficiaries are still responsible for other costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. All plans must cover all services covered by Original Medicare, but additional costs may apply based on the specific plan chosen.

What are the disadvantages of having a Medicare Advantage plan?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include limited provider networks, potential higher out-of-pocket costs, and prior authorization requirements for certain services. Additionally, changes in benefits and costs can occur yearly, which may lead to uncertainty about coverage and expenses.

What is AEP in Minnesota?

Last updated on September 5, 2025

Words by Danielle Meuleners, MBA, BSN, RNMedically reviewed by Rajiv Patel, MD, MBA

Patient Service Liaison talking about AEP with patient

What Is AEP in Minnesota?

This specific period is your yearly opportunity to reassess and update your Medicare coverage to ensure it matches your evolving healthcare needs.

Whether you’re considering adjustments to meet new health needs, want to change prescription drug coverage, or are curious about different plan options in Minnesota, AEP is the time to make those changes.

Let’s explore what AEP involves, what you can accomplish during this period, how to prepare for it, and your options if you miss this important window.

What Is AEP?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a yearly opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to evaluate and make changes to their Medicare coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period is also known as the Annual Election Period and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

Running from October 15 to December 7, AEP allows eligible individuals to modify their health and prescription drug plans to suit their changing health needs and budget better.

Any updates or changes made during this time ensure that coverage stays up-to-date and continues to meet specific healthcare needs for the coming year.

Changes That Can Be Made

When adjusting coverage, be sure your choices align with your current health and financial needs. During AEP, Medicare beneficiaries can:

Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or vice versa.
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage to one that does not.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t include prescription drug coverage to one that does.
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

When Changes Made Will Take Effect

Any updates or changes made during AEP will go into effect on January 1 of the following year. Because AEP takes place at the end of the year, you’ll only have to wait several weeks before beginning to enjoy your new plan.

What Happens if You Miss the Annual Enrollment Period

If you miss the AEP deadline, you may need to wait until the next year’s AEP to make most coverage changes.

In some cases, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience qualifying life events, such as a change in residency or loss of other insurance coverage.

Missing AEP without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period means your current plan will automatically renew for the upcoming year. You’ll still be covered, but your healthcare options may be limited.

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can still make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 to March 31.

During OEP, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. However, you cannot join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time during OEP; you must already be enrolled in one.

Preparing for the Medicare AEP

Getting the most out of the Annual Enrollment Period requires preparation. Reviewing your current Medicare coverage and assessing future healthcare needs ensures that any changes you make will serve you well in the coming year.

1. Review Your Current Coverage

Consider how well your existing coverage meets your healthcare needs, including prescription drugs, doctor visits, and medical treatments. Identifying any limitations or gaps in coverage helps you determine if it’s time for an update.

2. Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Each fall, Medicare beneficiaries receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from their current plan provider. This document outlines any adjustments to your plan’s costs, coverage, or provider network that will take effect in the new year.

Reviewing the ANOC thoroughly helps you identify any changes that could impact your care or expenses and clarifies whether switching plans is beneficial.

3. Review Your Current Healthcare Needs

Consider any recent or anticipated changes to your health that may impact your coverage needs. For example, new health conditions, planned procedures, or changing medication requirements may warrant adjustments in your plan.

4. Consider Plan Changes

Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans often vary widely in terms of benefits, provider networks, and costs. Comparing different options and understanding how they align with your health and budget priorities can lead to a plan that better meets your needs.

5. Consider Speaking With a Medicare Advisor

Medicare advisors can offer guidance on available plans, help clarify coverage details, and answer specific questions related to your healthcare situation. Consulting with a professional can be a smart step toward making informed choices during AEP.

Other Important Enrollment Periods

In addition to AEP, other enrollment periods throughout the year allow you to enroll in or make changes to Medicare plans based on specific situations or needs.

Initial Enrollment

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. It lasts for seven months, beginning three months before your 65th birthday month, continuing through your birthday month, and ending three months after.

During IEP, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Enrolling during this time helps avoid late enrollment penalties and ensures coverage begins as soon as you’re eligible.

General Enrollment

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is from January 1 to March 31 and is for those who missed enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B during their Initial Enrollment Period.

Coverage for enrollees begins on July 1 of the same year, but enrolling during GEP may incur a late enrollment penalty if applicable. This period excludes Medicare Advantage or Part D changes—it is only for Part A and B enrollment.

Special Enrollment

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) offer flexibility for those who experience qualifying life events, such as moving out of a plan’s service area, losing employer health coverage, or changes in eligibility due to Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs.

SEP timeframes vary depending on the qualifying event but often last up to 63 days from the event date. During SEPs, individuals may join or switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans without facing late enrollment penalties.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

From January 1 to March 31, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make one switch, either to a different Medicare Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

If choosing to return to Original Medicare, you can also join a Part D plan for prescription coverage. Changes made during this time take effect on the first day of the month after the plan receives the request.

Part D Enrollment

The Part D Enrollment Period aligns with the same timeframes as other enrollment opportunities. You can initially join a Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period or during AEP (October 15 to December 7).

If you’re enrolling for the first time or returning to Part D coverage after a break, enrolling during these windows prevents penalties and ensures continuous prescription drug coverage.

Medigap Enrollment

The Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, enrollment period is six months, beginning when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this time, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy without medical underwriting, meaning insurers can’t deny coverage or charge higher rates based on health conditions.

After this window, enrolling in a Medigap plan could be more limited, with potential restrictions or higher premiums.

Medicare AEP vs. OEP

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) serve different purposes and occur at separate times of the year.

In short, AEP is open to all beneficiaries for a broader range of adjustments, while OEP is specific to Medicare Advantage enrollees and allows only limited changes.

AEP (October 15–December 7):

During AEP, all Medicare beneficiaries can make various changes, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, or joining or dropping a Part D plan. Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage OEP (January 1–March 31):

This period is only for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During OEP, they can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan if needed). Beneficiaries are limited to one change during this period, with the new plan taking effect the month after the change is requested.

At Herself Health, we support you as you navigate the Enrollment Periods with helpful resources, Medicare experts, and educational events.

Become a Patient

Medicare Advantage Plans in MN

Minnesota offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, allowing beneficiaries to select options that best match their healthcare needs and preferences. These plans often include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs, and some plans may even include prescription drug coverage (MAPD).

Here are some of the top Medicare Advantage plans available in Minnesota:

Humana Medicare Advantage:

Known for its extensive provider network and comprehensive coverage options, including plans with $0 premiums and options for prescription drug coverage.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota:

Offers a variety of plans tailored to different healthcare needs and budgets, emphasizing preventive care, wellness services, and supplemental benefits.

Medica Advantage Solution:

Provides flexible plan options and strong customer service, with plans that often include fitness programs, routine dental and vision coverage, and additional wellness benefits.

UCare Medicare Plans:

Offers robust local plans with various benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing coverage, plus a range of prescription drug coverage options and competitive premiums.

HealthPartners Medicare Advantage:

Known for high-quality care and local support, these plans often include extra services like fitness memberships, telehealth options, and out-of-state travel coverage.

Allina Health | Aetna Medicare Advantage:

A collaboration between Allina Health and Aetna, offering plans with access to a wide network of providers, fitness benefits, and options for dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage:

Offers a range of plans, including those with fitness programs, over-the-counter benefits, vision and dental services, and a large provider network, often including options with $0 premiums.

Health Clinics for Women 60+ in Minnesota

Herself Health is proud to serve Minnesota women aged 60 and up. We take the time to get to know you and understand your healthcare needs and goals. From there, we create tailored treatment plans with a strong emphasis on prevention and mind-body wellness.

We have five convenient office locations, all with spacious parking lots and accessible by bus:

Rosedale Women’s Health Clinic: Our Rosedale clinic is located in the Rosedale Marketplace near the Rosedale Shopping center on the intersection of County Road B2 and Fairview Ave N.

Lyndale Women’s Health Clinic: Our Lyndale clinic is on the corner of West 55th St and Lyndale Avenue S beside a Walgreens.

Crystal Women’s Health Clinic: Our Crystal location is found beside Tower Auto Mart near the intersection of Douglas Drive N and W Broadway.

Highland Park Women’s Clinic: Highland Park is on the corner of Ford Parkway and S Kenneth St within the Highland Center neighboring Hillcrest Park.

Eagan Women’s Health Clinic: Eagan is found tucked on the corner of Rahncliff Rd and Cliff Rd neighboring a Nothing Bundt Cakes store.

Final Thoughts

Medicare enrollment periods can feel overwhelming, but understanding each one allows you to make the best choices for your health and budget. Knowing when to evaluate and adjust your Medicare plan ensures your coverage stays in sync with your evolving healthcare needs.

With a range of Medicare Advantage plans available in Minnesota and resources to support beneficiaries, you have the tools to make informed decisions so you can approach each enrollment season confidently, knowing exactly what AEP is and how it fits into your Medicare journey.

Herself Health specializes in personalized, comprehensive healthcare solutions for women 60 and older. We listen, we care, and we empower you to take charge of your health. Discover the difference today!