A Heartfelt Thank You, AEP Champions — Rest, Recharge, and Get Ready for OEP
As we close out another unforgettable Annual Enrollment Period, we want to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to every agent who showed up, stayed committed, and helped Medicare beneficiaries make one of the most important decisions of their year.
Because of your hard work, compassion, and expertise, millions of Medicare beneficiaries were able to find a plan that supports their healthcare needs for the year ahead; with confidence and peace of mind because you guided them through the process.
AEP is an intense, fast-moving season, and we know the long hours, the detailed conversations, the calls, the applications, and the troubleshooting can be exhausting. So before anything else:
You deserve this break.
You’ve earned the time to rest, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy the moments that matter most with family and friends.
Take a breath. Refill your cup. You’ve earned it.
As You Recharge… OEP Is Around the Corner
Once you’ve had this much-needed downtime, it will soon be time to shift gears into the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
From January 1 through March 31, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have the opportunity to make a one-time plan change. Although OEP isn’t typically as intense as AEP, it’s still an important period where your guidance can help beneficiaries correct misalignments or enroll into a better-fitting plan.
Many agents use OEP to:
Reconnect with clients who may have questions after using their plan for the first time, great for retention!
Help beneficiaries who feel their AEP choice wasn’t the right fit, help them enroll into a new plan situation!
Set the tone for a strong Q1 before heading into the “Lock-In Period” or “SEP Period” (Q2 & Q3)!
Your expertise continues to matter, and we’ll be here to support you with guidance, compliance reminders, and best-practice training as OEP approaches and throughout.
Enjoy your break—but know that success is built on preparation. After the holidays, we’ll help you step into the new year with clarity and confidence.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Proposed Rule — What You Should Know
CMS recently released the Contract Year (CY) 2027 Proposed Rule, which includes several significant updates that may impact Medicare Advantage, Part D, operations, marketing, and compliance standards in the coming years.
Some key proposed areas include:
Star Ratings methodology updates
Stricter guardrails on agent/broker compensation structures
Adjustments to enrollment and disenrollment processes
Changes aimed at improving beneficiary experience and plan transparency
New protections surrounding marketing practices and TPMO oversight
These proposals are not final. CMS is actively requesting industry input—and as frontline professionals, your feedback matters.
How to Submit Your Comments to CMS
If you have questions, concerns, or recommendations based on your experience working directly with beneficiaries, you can submit your comments during the open comment window (Now - 1/26/2026).:
Visit the official Federal Register posting for the CY 2027 Proposed Rule
Click “Submit a Public Comment”
Provide your feedback before the submission deadline (1/26/2025)
Your voice plays a meaningful role in shaping policy that supports both beneficiaries and the agents who serve them.
A Final Note of Gratitude
From everyone at Insurance Training HQ, thank you again for showing up with professionalism, empathy, and resilience during AEP 2025. You continue to make an impact that reaches far beyond policy numbers and plan selections—you’re improving lives.
Enjoy your well-deserved rest, savor the time with your loved ones, and we’ll see you refreshed and ready for a successful OEP.
You’ve earned it. We appreciate you. And we’re here for you every step of the way.