AEP 2026 Prep Checklist: An Ohio Senior’s Month-by-Month Timeline
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7. Most plan changes take effect January 1. Here’s how to use the months leading up to AEP so you’re not making decisions at the last minute.
August: gather
Collect your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Make a list of your doctors and prescriptions.
September: review
Compare what changed in your plan versus what your doctors and pharmacies are still accepting.
October: decide
AEP opens October 15. If a different plan fits better, enroll early in AEP — don’t wait for the deadline.
November – December: confirm
Get written confirmation from the new plan. Confirm with your doctors that they take it. Watch for the new ID card.
Free guide
AEP 2026 Prep Checklist (PDF)
The full month-by-month checklist, printable, with the questions to ask before switching.
- August / September / October / November worksheets
- Questions to ask before switching plans
- Provider-network changes to watch for
- What to do if your plan is being discontinued
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