The 2026 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is now just weeks away! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled important information, tools, and our most helpful tips and tricks into a roadmap, all leading you to a successful enrollment season. If you find yourself considering what to do next, start here!
General AEP Overview:
Every year, Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, Medicare health and drug plans can make changes that may affect costs, coverage, and the network of providers and pharmacies. AEP allows all individuals with Medicare to change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year to better suit their needs.
Important Medicare Changes for 2026:
As 2026 approaches, Medicare will undergo several important changes that will impact agents and clients. For 2026 coverage, here’s what to be aware of:
- Part-D Out-of-Pocket Cap Increase: The annual cap on a beneficiary’s prescription drug out-of-pocket costs will increase from $2,000 in 2025 to $2,100 in 2026.
- Some insurers carrying Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans are exiting the market. It’s important to stay updated on these market shifts to help clients affected by these market exits secure new coverage that meets their needs.
Stay Up to Date with Compliance:
Before the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins, make sure you understand the latest rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare rules can change quickly, so it is important to stay informed for a successful and compliant AEP. Here are helpful resources to bookmark:
Helpful Carolina Senior Marketing + Integrity Resources:
Helpful CMS Compliance Resources:
- CMS’ 2025 Final Rule
- Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements
- Part D Communication Requirements
- Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines
If you have compliance questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! We’re here to serve you.
Your Roadmap to a Successful AEP 2026:
1.) Complete Certifications & Compliance Needs
2.) Make Yourself Familiar with this Year’s Plans
Our team at Carolina Senior Marketing works hard to promptly deliver carrier First Looks to agents, and we will make 2026 carrier plan documents available in the CSM Agent Hub!
3.) Solidify the Tools & Technology You’ll Use
With the rise of technology and AI, there are plenty of options to help you automate your workflows, gather leads, communicate with clients, and so much more. As you assess the needs of your business for AEP 2026, test out new tools, solidify the ones that are essential, and incorporate them into your processes. At the end of enrollment season, consider reviewing your technology to consider how it supported you throughout the busy season. Here are a handful of tools that come highly recommended by our agents:
Automations & Efficiencies:
- Integrity Technology Suite – Leverage the full capabilities of Integrity’s technology suite to streamline your operations. Be sure to become acquainted with MedicareCENTER before this AEP for your quoting and enrollments.
- PlanEnroll – Each agent has access to their own PlanEnroll website. Use your PAW (Personal Agent Website) link to send to your clients to gather their doctors’ and prescription information before AEP. You can now get a signed SOA through PlanEnroll Client Sync.
- CallFire – Agents can utilize CallFire to reach their entire book of business via a pre-recorded voice broadcast or text. This works great for when you have important reminders or bits of information you need to get out to clients quickly.
- Calendly – Use Calendly to schedule appointments easily and avoid back-and-forth emails. Print your QR code on materials for easy scheduling, and provide your Calendly link in any electronic communications you send. Free plans are available for basic scheduling features.
4.) Prepare Your Client’s Information
Just as tools and technology can help your workflow, organizing your client’s information and your pre-AEP schedule can help you work more efficiently and effectively. Check out our best tips to help you maximize your time with your clients:
Organize your book of business:
- Your workflow can be simpler if you have all of your contact information in one location, with notes and personal details that help you connect.
- Make sure you have at least a name, mailing address, and email for every client and prospect.
- You might engage differently with prospects compared to existing clients – identify a group for each.
Client communications tips:
- Mail plan review letters to clients in September
- Prepare your “talking notes” for your client plan review conversations
- “How do you feel about your current plan?”
- “Any health issues we should consider when thinking about coverage?”
- “We want to ensure you are in the right plan for you for next year!”
- … and so on. Create the conversation pieces that work best for you.
- Call clients who do not respond to your plan review letter
- Schedule plan reviews for October 1st – October 14th
- Let clients know they can bring a friend!
- Ask your client if they would like an in-person or virtual appointment.
5.) Finalize Your Marketing & Outreach Strategies
Smart agents know the work for AEP starts well before October 15th. Preparing now means reviewing last year’s outreach efforts, updating your marketing materials, and building a plan to connect with both new prospects and existing clients. From refining your social media presence to scheduling educational events, every touchpoint matters when beneficiaries are making big decisions about their coverage. As you head into these final weeks before AEP, verify your ads are designed and ready to publish and have all marketing materials approved by compliance. Here are a few other resources and tips as you finalize your outreach strategy:
AEP Prospecting Ideas:
- Integrity’s LeadCENTER – Check out your area’s heatmap and purchase data leads during AEP. If you prefer warm transfer calls, set up a Real-Time Call Campaign within your account.
- Seminar Prospect Lists – Follow up with prospects from previous seminars multiple times. You can invite them to a future meeting during AEP or simply schedule a time to review.
- PTC Forms – Call anyone for whom you have a valid Permission to Contact (PTC) form to discuss their options and any changes. Call several times and leave voicemails to let them know you can offer complimentary plan reviews during AEP.
- Educational Meetings – Continue to host educational meetings throughout AEP to attract and inform potential clients. Get connected to local community partners (dentists, senior centers, VFWs, etc.) and be on the lookout for retail opportunities.
- Carrier Sales Meetings – Contact your local carrier representatives to explore opportunities for hosting sales meetings.
- Client Referrals – Perhaps the best way to gain new business, make sure your current customers know that you are eager to help and serve their friends and family!
6.) Lean into an FMO for Support!
Finally, remember that you don’t have to navigate AEP or the rest of the year alone. Partnering with your local FMO, like Carolina Senior Marketing, provides you with resources, training, compliance guidance, and marketing support that can make all the difference when things get busy. An experienced FMO is more than just a contracting hub; they’re a strategic partner who helps you stay informed, competitive, and confident in serving your clients. By leaning into this relationship, you can spend less time worrying about administrative details and more time doing what truly matters: building trust and delivering insurance solutions that improve the lives of the people you serve.
_________________
