Annual Enrollment Checklist
Enroll October 22 - November 12, 2025
Annual Enrollment is your opportunity to make changes to your AEP benefits for 2026. This year includes some exciting enhancements, making it a great time to take a fresh look at your options.
New year, new Plans! You'll notice changes to both the Medical and Dental Plans, so it's important to review your options and make an election. See What's New >
Step 1: Review Your Options
Visit aepbenefits.com to review your current coverage in your Benefit Summary. Explore this site to learn about your coverage options for 2026.
You should take action during Annual Enrollment if:
- You want to make changes to your Medical, Dental and/or Vision Plan election, including your coverage tier by adding or dropping dependents (subject to Plan and eligibility rules).
- You want to discontinue coverage in the Medical, Dental and/or Vision Plan.
- A surviving spouse must respond to the remarriage attestation question. This applies even if you are not making any changes to your current elections.
If you do NOT take action:
- If you are currently enrolled in the HSA Basic Plan and don't take action—you will be automatically enrolled in the HSA Value Plan, covering the same eligible dependents.
- If you are currently enrolled in the HSA Plus Plan and don't take action—you will be automatically enrolled in the HSA Premium Plan, covering the same eligible dependents.
- If you are currently enrolled in the HRA Plan, you will remain covered in the HRA Plan for 2026 covering the same eligible dependents.
- If you are currently enrolled in one of AEP's Dental Plans and do not take action, you will automatically be enrolled in the Base Plan, covering the same eligible dependents.
- You and your eligible covered dependents will remain enrolled in your current Vision Plan.
- If you currently waive AEP Medical, Dental and/or Vision coverage, you will continue to be waived.
Your Plan Options:
Automatic Benefits
- Cancer Support and Guidance
Optional Coverage
- Medical and Prescription Drug Plans, if eligible
- Dental Plan
- Vision and Hearing Coverage
- Pet Health Insurance
- Home and Auto Insurance
Step 2: Make Changes by November 12
Beginning October 22, log in to aepbenefits.com to make Plan changes for 2026. If you've forgotten your username or password, click Trouble Logging In? for assistance.
Enrolling Online is Easy
Click the Start Here button to review your personal and dependent information.
- You can choose whom you would like to add to coverage for each Plan, or waive coverage.
- Once you have made your elections, review and click Approve.
- To finish, click I Agree and you will receive a confirmation number and be able to print your 2026 Benefit Summary.
SofiaSM, your personal benefits assistant, can answer questions and guide you as you enroll.
Speak with an Advocate
Call the AEP Benefits Center
1-888-237-2363
(1-888-AEP-BENE) (Option 1)
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST
Saturdays: Oct. 25 & Nov. 1, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST
Coverage Levels
When you enroll in the Medical, Dental and/or Vision Plans, you may also choose whom you want to cover. Your coverage level and cost are based on the dependents you enroll.
Tools to Help You Anytime
MyChoice Benefits App
Manage your benefits on the go from any smartphone or tablet. You can:
- Stay on top of important deadlines, send and receive important documentation in regards to benefits, such as dependent verification and EOI.
- Upload and store images of your ID cards for use on the go.
- Easily contact a Member Advocate or chat with Sofia for general questions about your AEP benefits, enrollment, life events or required documentation.
- View a detailed account of your current and future benefits Plans.
Once you Register your account at aepbenefits.com, click the Access the App to send yourself a direct link to download the app.
Get Help From Sofia
You can get answers anytime with Sofia, your personal digital benefits assistant. Sofia can answer many of your benefits questions virtually 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Some of her most commonly requested topics include:
- Dependent Verification
- Plan Information
- Benefit Education
- Enrollment Status
- Carrier Information
Once logged in at aepbenefits.com, access Sofia by clicking on her icon on any page. You can also access Sofia via the MyChoice benefits app.
Step 3: Verify Dependents
Dependent Verification
In some cases, you will be required to submit documentation to verify your dependents’ eligibility. After you’ve completed your enrollment, if any documentation is required, you’ll see a notification in My Tasks. Simply click on it and follow the instructions to verify your dependents. Your dependent(s) will not be added to your coverage until your documentation is provided and approved.
What's Next?
Medical ID Cards
If you enroll in a new Medical Plan during Annual Enrollment, you will receive a new Medical Plan ID card in late December. Make sure to use your new card when you use the Medical Plan in the new year, including updating at your retail pharmacy. If you need additional cards, visit aepmyqhealth.com or call Quantum Health at 1-877-324-3032.
Name or Update Beneficiaries
It’s important to designate a beneficiary for your Life Insurance benefits (someone who will receive the value of your account in the event of your death). If you are eligible for Retiree Life Insurance, during the enrollment process you will have the ability to review and/or update your beneficiaries. You can also update your beneficiaries anytime throughout the year.
Qualified Life Events
Once you choose your benefits during Annual Enrollment, you won’t be able to change them until the next Annual Enrollment period, unless you experience a qualifying life event. Change your benefits at aepbenefits.com within 31 days of a qualifying event in order to make any change to your benefits.
This guide is not intended to be a Plan document, Summary Plan Description, or required notice with respect to any of the Plans mentioned. AEP reserves the right to modify, amend, suspend, or terminate the Plans at any time. Refer to the applicable Plan document if you have any questions relating to a specific Plan or benefit.