2026 AEP Disruption Issues — and How EMG Helps You Win
If you’ve been through an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) before, you know it can be hectic. Long hours, constant client calls, changing plan details—it’s all part of the season. But heading into AEP 2026, there are some added challenges that could make things even tougher.
We’re talking about new regulations, commission changes, and shifts in consumer options that could directly impact your income and how you serve your clients. At EMG Insurance Brokerage, we’re keeping a close eye on these developments—and more importantly, we’re helping agents like you prepare and adapt.
Let’s break down what’s changing and how you can stay ahead.
What’s Making AEP 2026 More Challenging?
Here are some of the main concerns we’re seeing this year:
Non-Commissionable MA Plans
Some Medicare Advantage plans will no longer pay agent commissions. That’s time and energy spent without a return—unless you’re selective and strategic about what you offer.
Lower Part D Compensation & Fewer Options
Changes in the Part D market is reducing compensation for agents and shrinking plan options for clients. That can lead to tougher conversations and more work to find the right fit.
The Birthday Rule & Med Supp Shake-Ups
New rules in some states now allow clients to switch Med Supp plans around their birthdays without medical underwriting. Good for them, but it may impact your renewal business and Med Supp strategy.
FMV Adjustments on MAPD Plans
The Fair Market Value (FMV) limits set by CMS continue to shift. Some plans may no longer be worth your time from a compensation standpoint—even if they seem like a good fit for the client.
How EMG Helps You Stay Competitive
Despite the challenges, there are plenty of ways to win this AEP. We’ve got tools, platforms, and strategies to help you stay productive, profitable, and ahead of the curve.
This platform simplifies the quoting and enrollment process and supports multiple ways to enroll—face-to-face, phone, online, or even via text. It’s a huge time-saver and keeps everything in one place.
Medicare Insurance Direct® (MID)
MID gives your clients a secure way to compare and enroll in plans themselves while keeping you as the agent of record. It’s perfect for agents looking to streamline PDP enrollments or serve tech-savvy clients.
Cross-Selling Strategy
Pair high-deductible Med Supp Plan G policies with hospital indemnity plans. It’s a cost-effective solution for your clients—and a great way to boost your revenue while adding real value.
Let’s Make a Game Plan Together
If you’re feeling the pressure of AEP already, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here. Your EMG Sales Advisor is just a phone call away and can help with everything from certification reminders and product selection to marketing strategies and compliance updates.
Whether it’s your first AEP or your 20th, we want to help you make it your best yet.
At EMG, we’ve been supporting agents in the Medicare market for over 40 years. We’ve seen the changes, the trends, the ups and downs—and we know what works.
Let’s build your strategy now so you can hit the ground running this fall. Reach out to your EMG team today to get started.
