A phone survey of more than 700 seniors found 65 percent of Medicare Part D enrollees aren't aware that Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Part D and Medicare Advantage benefits has been changed for 2012 plans.

During AEP, Medicare beneficiaries have the option to review and change their Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Advantage health coverage prior to the coming plan year when new plan benefits go into effect. The AEP used to begin on Nov. 15 and ended on Dec. 31. But, for plans beginning on Jan. 1, 2012, the AEP begins a full month earlier on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7, 2011.

eHealth, the parent company of online insurance provider eHealthInsurance, conducted the survey of 711 adults age 65 and over in July and August. Among those surveyed, 475 respondents reported having Medicare prescription drug coverage.

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