Key points
- AEP is October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes made during AEP generally start January 1, 2027.
- Check your doctors, hospitals, medical group, pharmacies, and prescriptions for 2027 before you enroll or stay with a plan.
- QualitySpace represents Astiva Health, Clever Care Health Plan, and CalOptima Health OneCare in Orange County for 2027. We represent some options, not all.
- Kaiser California does not use brokers for Medicare. QualitySpace does not offer Kaiser Medicare plans.
- For all available options, use Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or call California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.
What AEP does
During AEP, people with Medicare can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan, switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or join, drop, or switch a Medicare drug plan when the rules allow. The plan must receive your request by December 7 for a January 1 start.
If you do nothing, your current coverage usually continues, but its costs, covered drugs, rules, or network can change for 2027. Read the plan's Annual Notice of Change and compare it with your needs.
What to check for January 1, 2027
Write down every medicine, doctor, hospital, medical group, and pharmacy you use. Check the 2027 plan documents and call the plan if anything is unclear. A provider directory is a starting point, not a substitute for confirming with the plan and the doctor's office.
Do not rely on a general statement that a doctor accepts Medicare. Ask whether the doctor accepts the exact plan and medical group for 2027.
Local representation and neutral help
QualitySpace is a private agency. For 2027 in Orange County, we represent Astiva Health, Clever Care Health Plan, and CalOptima Health OneCare. We do not represent every Medicare plan in the county and do not list plan benefits here.
Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE can show the full range of plans. HICAP offers free, confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling at 1-800-434-0222. You do not have to use an agent to compare or enroll.
How this guide set fits together
Use the enrollment guide for deadlines, the Part D guide for medicines and Extra Help, the Medigap guide for Original Medicare choices, and the network guide for Vietnamese-speaking doctors. The travel, green card, IRMAA, and PACE guides cover special situations.
Steps
- Mark the dates. AEP is October 15 to December 7, 2026. Put a reminder on your calendar before the deadline.
- Gather your list. Bring your Medicare card, plan card, medicines, doctors, hospitals, medical group, and pharmacy names.
- Compare official plan information. Use Medicare Plan Finder, the plan's 2027 documents, and direct confirmation from providers.
- Ask for help. Use HICAP for free neutral counseling, Medicare for all options, or Vietnamese help from QualitySpace for the plans we represent.
Quick check
- I know whether I have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
- I have the exact names and doses of my medicines.
- I checked the 2027 network and pharmacy information.
- I know who I can call if my preferred doctor or medicine is not listed.
Questions to ask
- Does this exact plan include my doctor, medical group, hospital, and pharmacy for 2027?
- Are my medicines on the 2027 formulary, and what rules apply?
- What will change on January 1, 2027?
- Can I compare this with every plan on Medicare.gov or with HICAP?
Common questions
When is Medicare AEP for 2027?
AEP is October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during AEP generally start January 1, 2027.
Does QualitySpace represent every plan in Orange County?
No. For 2027, QualitySpace represents Astiva Health, Clever Care Health Plan, and CalOptima Health OneCare in Orange County. We represent some options, not all. Use Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or HICAP for the full market.
Does QualitySpace offer Kaiser Medicare plans?
No. Kaiser California does not use brokers for Medicare, so QualitySpace does not offer Kaiser Medicare plans.
Can I get help in Vietnamese?
Yes. Vietnamese help is available from QualitySpace for the plans we represent. HICAP and Medicare can also explain their available language assistance.
What if I do nothing during AEP?
Your current coverage usually continues, but 2027 costs, covered drugs, rules, or networks can change. Review your plan notice before deciding to stay.
Who gives free, neutral Medicare counseling?
California HICAP provides free, confidential counseling. Call 1-800-434-0222.
Official sources
- Medicare.gov: Open Enrollment
- Medicare.gov: Joining a health or drug plan
- Medicare.gov: Plan Finder
- California Department of Aging: HICAP Medicare counseling
- CMS: California Medicare Open Enrollment 2027 fact sheet
Related guides
- Medicare enrollment periods in California
- Part D and Extra Help for 2027
- Medigap or Medicare Advantage in California
- Medicare travel to Vietnam
- Medicare for green card holders working past 65
- IRMAA and Medicare premiums
- PACE in Orange County
- Find a Vietnamese-speaking doctor in network
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This section is an advertisement for insurance services, separate from the guide above. QualitySpace Insurance Agency is a private insurance agency, not a government office. You do not need to buy insurance to apply for Medi-Cal or any other benefit.
You do not pay QualitySpace for Medicare help. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan through us, that plan may pay our agency a commission, within limits Medicare sets for those plans. Your premium is the same whether you enroll through us, directly with the plan, or through Medicare.gov.
Cô chú bác không trả tiền cho QualitySpace khi được tư vấn Medicare. Nếu ghi danh vào chương trình Medicare Advantage hoặc Part D qua chúng tôi, chương trình đó có thể trả hoa hồng cho đại lý, trong giới hạn Medicare quy định cho các chương trình này. Phí bảo hiểm của cô chú bác vẫn như nhau dù ghi danh qua chúng tôi, trực tiếp với chương trình, hay qua Medicare.gov.
If you want to talk about Medicare plans, call Kevin Vu at 714-666-6669. English or Vietnamese. Or request a callback with a short form.