Medicare Made Simple with the Center for Better Aging
Medicare Annual Enrollment is here! Don't wait to review your options.
Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7
Medicare plays a vital role in making sure your coverage keeps up with your health as you age. But with so many plans out there, sorting through it all can feel like a lot.
That's where the Center for Better Aging comes in.
- New to Medicare? We'll walk you through the basics and help you enroll with confidence.
- Already enrolled? We'll help you review your current plan to make sure it's still the right fit.
- Thinking about a change? We'll help you compare options so you can update your coverage without the guesswork.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Better aging starts with better Medicare decisions — and we're here to help you make the most of your benefits, on your terms.
Get What You Need
Medicare 101
Medicare 101
Medicare 101
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older as well as some younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It has four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
Welcome! If you're new to Medicare, your first step is understanding your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — a window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday. This is when most people first sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. If you're outside that window, our team can help you understand where you are in the Medicare process, determine your next steps, and learn how to avoid potential penalty fees. Join one of our Medicare 101 classes or schedule a one-on-one session for personalized guidance based on your needs.
The AEP runs from October 15–December 7 each year. During this period, individuals already enrolled in Medicare can review, change, or drop their coverage for the following year.
During AEP, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa).
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another — for example, switching from a PPO to an HMO, or vice versa, if your needs or preferred doctors have changed.
- Enroll into traditional Medicare or change Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) plan.
If you miss the December 7 deadline, you'll be locked into your current plan for the entire following year — even if it no longer covers your doctors, medications, or changing health needs. In most cases, you won't get another chance to make changes until the next AEP, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a specific life event like moving or losing other coverage. That's why it's so important to review your plan every year, even if you think nothing has changed.
Let’s Get Started
Whether you're turning 65, reviewing your current coverage, or just need someone to walk you through your options, schedule your free Medicare evaluation consultation with our Director of Member Engagement and Growth Strategies, Robert Aldrete.
You don't have to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period to get help — Robert is available year-round, before, during, and after AEP. But if you're looking to make changes for the coming year, remember the Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7, so don't miss your chance to review your options and secure the best coverage.
Have questions before you sign up? Robert is happy to help. Call 773-977-4774, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CT.