Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) in Hawaii
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period — AEP — runs October 15 through December 7 every year. It's the main window when Hawaii Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the coming year.
What you can do during AEP
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Switch from one Part D plan to another
- Add Part D drug coverage if you didn't have it
- Drop Part D drug coverage
AEP changes take effect January 1 of the new year.
What AEP does NOT cover
AEP doesn't apply to Medigap. Medigap rules are state-specific and use guaranteed issue periods (mostly your initial 6-month OEP at 65), not AEP.
Why annual review matters
Even if you're happy with your plan, plans change every year:
- Premiums change — both up and down
- Networks change — your doctor or hospital may leave your plan
- Formularies change — your medications may move to higher tiers or drop entirely
- Benefits change — extras like dental, vision, transportation, OTC are adjusted annually
- New plans launch — better options may have emerged
The plan that was best for you last year may not be best for next year.
Your AEP review checklist
By early October
- Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current plan — it lists every change for the new year
- Make a current list of your medications with dosages
- Make a list of your providers (PCP, specialists, hospital)
October 15 - November 30
- Use Medicare.gov Plan Finder with your zip code and medications to compare plans
- Call your doctors' offices to confirm they'll be in-network in 2026
- Schedule a Sage PLUS counseling appointment if helpful — call 1-888-875-9229
- Or work with a licensed agent
By December 7
- Submit your enrollment if changing plans
- Confirm receipt with the new plan
- Save documentation of any changes
Hawaii-specific AEP considerations
- Inter-island provider networks change — verify access to off-island specialists you use
- Lahaina disaster SEP overlap — affected Maui residents may have additional flexibility
- 2027 D-SNP alignment rule — dual-eligibles should review carefully ahead of the 2027 transition
- Sage PLUS appointments fill up — book early in October if you want in-person help
What if you miss AEP?
If you miss the December 7 deadline, you generally have to wait until next year's AEP. Exceptions include:
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP): January 1 - March 31. One change per year for those already in MA.
- Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by life events (moving, losing coverage, qualifying for Med-QUEST, federal disaster declarations)
- 5-star plan SEP: Switch to a 5-star plan once between December 8 and November 30
Frequently asked questions
No. If you don't make changes, your current plan automatically continues into the new year (with whatever 2026 changes are announced in your ANOC). But reviewing every year is strongly recommended.
AEP doesn't apply to Medigap. Medigap is regulated by state with state-specific rules. In Hawaii, after your initial 6-month Open Enrollment, you generally need to undergo medical underwriting to change Medigap plans.
Start in early October when ANOCs arrive. By mid-October you should have a list of medications and providers ready. Booking a Sage PLUS or agent appointment early gives you more flexibility.
AEP (Oct 15 - Dec 7) is open to everyone with Medicare. MA-OEP (Jan 1 - Mar 31) is only for those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage and only allows one change.