January exposes everything AEP hides. Enrollment volume slows, carrier data catches up, and clients start asking questions that point to real problems. A post-AEP cleanup checklist helps you catch issues early, fix what matters, and prevent small mistakes from turning into complaints or churn.
This post focuses on what agents should review after enrollment ends in 2026, based on where things actually break once policies go live.
Most enrollment issues are invisible during AEP. They surface once coverage starts and clients see real costs and access limitations.
In January, problems spike because:
ANOCs arrive and clients finally read plan changes
Drug pricing resets and pharmacy networks shift
Clients compare what they expected with what they received
This is not about blaming agents. It is about understanding where cleanup matters most.
Use this post-AEP cleanup checklist to review the areas that cause the most downstream issues.
Medication issues drive more January complaints than premiums.
Many January complaints trace back to misunderstandings around drug coverage, which is why understanding Medicare Part D coverage rules matters before issues escalate.
Current formulary status for enrolled plans
Tier placement and deductible impact
Preferred and in-network pharmacy access
Clients assuming a drug cap means flat pricing
Pharmacies that were in-network last year but are not now
Agent reminder: Drug costs change even when premiums do not. Always recheck using current data.
Provider access problems often show up after the first appointment is scheduled.
Primary care and specialist network status
Referral or authorization requirements
Service area changes tied to ZIP code
Clients relying on last year’s network assumptions
Providers listed as pending or limited
January is SEP-heavy, and documentation errors surface fast.
SEP type selected during enrollment
Proof tied to the qualifying event
Timing windows and effective dates
Assumed eligibility without documentation
Late or incomplete proof requests
Agent reminder: If it is not documented, it is not defensible.
Many issues escalate simply because follow-up happens too late.
Confirmation of coverage start dates
First-month billing expectations
Where clients should go with questions
Clients calling carriers instead of you
Confusion around ID cards or payment setup
This call happens every January. How you handle it matters.
Slow the conversation down
Confirm what the client is seeing
Compare expectations to plan rules
Drug and pharmacy details
Provider access
Effective dates
Immediate plan changes without eligibility
Retroactive fixes that are not allowed
Clear explanations protect trust, even when the answer is not what the client wants.
Cleanup becomes chaos when it relies on memory or spreadsheets.
Rechecking drug coverage after complaints
Rebuilding missing documentation
Resetting expectations that were never set
A structured cleanup process reduces rework and stress.
In 2026, enrollment work does not end with submission. Post-AEP cleanup is now part of retention.
Agents who review drug coverage, documentation, and follow-up early spend less time fixing issues later and more time supporting clients confidently.
If your January cleanup feels reactive, your process needs tightening.
Technology does not replace process, but it supports consistency.
Recheck plan details quickly
Reference enrollment data and documentation
Reduce back-and-forth with carriers and clients
This matters most after volume drops and accuracy matters.
A post-AEP cleanup checklist gives you control when enrollment noise fades. Fixing issues early protects trust, reduces complaints, and sets the tone for the rest of the year.
If you want a more reliable way to support clean quoting and enrollment, see how Quotit helps agents reduce post-enrollment fixes.