Published: June 23, 2026.
AEP is the annual enrollment period for individual ACA coverage. For Marketplace plans using the federal calendar, Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 in most states, with December 15 as the deadline for January 1 effective coverage.
Key Takeaways
- AEP is the annual enrollment period for individual ACA coverage. For Marketplace plans using the federal calendar, Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 in most states, with December 15 as the deadline for January 1 effective coverage.
- AEP is when most ACA brokers process renewals, run subsidy recalculations, and compete for new AOR relationships. Carrier participation and plan IDs can change year over year, so auto renewal without a review call is a retention risk.
- State based exchanges may set different OEP end dates. California, for example, historically extends its window. Brokers licensed in multiple states should confirm each exchange calendar before scheduling renewal outreach.
- AEP prep starts in September for agencies with 20 or more renewals. Carrier appointments, plan data reloads, and AOR cleanup belong in September and October, not the first week of November.
AEP is when most ACA brokers process renewals, run subsidy recalculations, and compete for new AOR relationships. Carrier participation and plan IDs can change year over year, so auto renewal without a review call is a retention risk.
State based exchanges may set different OEP end dates. California, for example, historically extends its window. Brokers licensed in multiple states should confirm each exchange calendar before scheduling renewal outreach.
AEP prep starts in September for agencies with 20 or more renewals. Carrier appointments, plan data reloads, and AOR cleanup belong in September and October, not the first week of November.
Related field notes
- aep-2026-prep-checklist-for-brokers
- bulk-renewals-during-oep-script-and-process-included
- aep-burnout-tactical-guide-for-solo-agents
Related glossary terms
FAQ
Common broker questions about this term.
Is AEP the same as Open Enrollment?
Brokers often use AEP and OEP interchangeably for the fall individual market window. Medicare has a separate Annual Enrollment Period, so clarify which product line you mean on client calls.
Can clients change plans during AEP without a life event?
Yes. AEP is an open enrollment window. No qualifying life event is required to enroll or switch Marketplace plans during the published dates.
When should brokers start renewal outreach?
October beats November for agencies with large books. Clients who hear from their broker before the marketing mailers arrive are more likely to stay on AOR.
