The First Two Weeks of AEP Are When Decisions Are Made
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7. But beneficiary enrollment data consistently shows that the majority of plan-switching decisions happen in the first 10–14 days of AEP — not the last. Agents whose mail arrives October 1–10 are reaching prospects before they've committed. Agents who mail in late October are competing against decisions that have already been made.
Getting mail in-home by October 1 isn't just a nice-to-have — it's the difference between winning AEP and being background noise. And to have mail in-home October 1, you need to start your production cycle in early August, 12 weeks out, to allow time for list building, CMS creative review, print production, and USPS BMEU scheduling.
Dimaco has run AEP campaigns for insurance agents and FMOs for over 20 years. We know the timeline. We manage the complexity. And we offer 60-day territory exclusivity so your investment isn't undercut by a competitor mailing the same geography the same week.
Everything from List to Mailbox
Medicare-Eligible Lists
Age 65+ filtered by county, zip, or carrier route. NCOA-cleaned with 48-month lookback. Income and homeownership overlays available.
Variable Data Printing
Agent name, phone, territory-specific copy, and plan-year details personalized on every piece. 30–50% response lift over static mail.
CMS-Aware Production
We flag common compliance issues from 20+ years of Medicare campaign experience. Plan-specific pieces require your carrier's written CMS approval before we produce.
Territory Exclusivity
60-day exclusivity window — no competing agent using Dimaco can target your geography during your AEP campaign. First-come, first-served.
USPS BMEU Direct Entry
We enter mail at USPS Bulk Mail Entry Units for maximum postage discounts and precise in-home date targeting.
MyQRPath Tracking
QR codes on every piece link to trackable landing pages via our MyQRPath platform. Know which mail piece drove which scan, call, or enrollment.
When to Start Each Phase
August 1–15
- Lock vendor and sign agreement
- Define target geography and format
- Begin list build and NCOA processing
- Creative development begins — submit plan-specific pieces to carrier by Aug 15
August 15 – September 15
- Plan-carrier CMS review (21+ business days)
- Proof agent-branded generic elements
- Finalize variable data fields
- Schedule USPS BMEU appointment
September 15 – October 1
- CMS approval received
- Final creative sign-off
- Print production and pre-sort
- USPS acceptance paperwork
October 1–15
- Mail in-home for AEP opening
- Call tracking and QR landing pages active
- AEP opens October 15
Medicare AEP Direct Mail FAQ
Lock Your 2026 AEP Slot
Territory exclusivity is first-come, first-served. We respond within one business day.