Marketers Report Slow Start to AEP, Rise in Digital Channels

Preliminary observations from several Medicare Advantage marketing experts indicate that during the 2021 Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), consumers were slow to make enrollment decisions early on, and switching may not have been at the levels witnessed in recent years. At the same time, social distancing precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant traffic in the digital space, possibly signaling a permanent shift in how Medicare consumers shop for coverage.

Cavulus, a technology firm that serves the MA industry, in early November noticed a “slower start to AEP due to the ongoing pandemic and [MA] marketing efforts coinciding with substantial presidential campaign advertising,” says Patrick Phillips, the firm’s CEO. In a Nov. 5 press release, the company observed that while call centers were busy, most callers were asking clarification-type questions about potential changes to their existing insurer’s offerings, and said it expected comparative shopping among competing insurers to ramp up as the AEP neared its end.

© 2025 MMIT
Lauren Flynn Kelly

Lauren Flynn Kelly Managing Editor, Radar on Medicare Advantage

Lauren has been covering health business issues since the early 2000s and specializes in in-depth reporting on Medicare Advantage, managed Medicaid and Medicare Part D. She also possesses a deep understanding of the complex world of pharmacy benefit management, having written AIS Health’s Radar on Drug Benefits from 2004 to 2005 and again from 2011 to 2016. In addition to her role as managing editor of Radar on Medicare Advantage, she oversees AIS Health’s publications and manages the health editorial staff. She graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in English.

Related Posts

stock-chart
October 3

’25 Stars Info Spooks Humana Investors, Stokes Fears About Industry Decline

READ MORE
unitedhealthcare-headquarters
October 3

UnitedHealthcare, Humana Nab Half of $11.8B in 2024 Quality Bonus Payments

READ MORE
elderly-woman-looking-at-ipad
October 3

Minn. Blues Plan’s Value-Based Pact With Herself Health Focuses on Senior Women

READ MORE

GAIN THERAPEUTIC AREA-SPECIFIC INTEL TO DRIVE ACCESS FOR YOUR BRAND

Sign up for publications to get unmatched business intelligence delivered to your inbox.

subscribe today