Every fall, Medicare Open Enrollment gives you a chance to review your coverage and make changes for the coming year. But a lot of people either forget about it, assume their plan is fine, or feel overwhelmed by the options. If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you.
Here is what you need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026, how it works, and what you should do to make sure you are not leaving money on the table.
When Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 every year. Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year.
There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. During this window, if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare with a Part D plan.
What Can You Change During Open Enrollment?
During the Annual Enrollment Period you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or the other way around. You can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. You can join a Part D prescription drug plan, switch to a different one, or drop Part D coverage. You can also add or remove supplemental coverage depending on your situation.
The one thing you generally cannot change during AEP is your Medigap supplement policy. Medigap has its own enrollment rules, and switching supplements outside of your initial enrollment period may require medical underwriting.
Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year
Medicare plans change every January 1st. Insurance carriers adjust which doctors are in their networks. They change their drug formularies, moving medications to different tiers or dropping them entirely. Copays, coinsurance rates, and out-of-pocket maximums shift. A plan that saved you money last year could cost you significantly more this year.
I review every one of my clients’ plans during Open Enrollment. About a third of them end up switching to a better option each year. That is not because they chose poorly the first time. It is because plans change and their health needs change too.
What to Check During Your Annual Review
Start with your doctors. Make sure every provider you see is still in your plan’s network for the coming year. Then check your medications. Look at the plan’s formulary to confirm your prescriptions are still covered and see what tier they are on. Compare the total estimated annual cost, not just the monthly premium. A plan with a zero-dollar premium might cost you more in copays and deductibles than a plan with a small monthly premium.
Finally, think about any changes in your health over the past year. If you had a new diagnosis, started seeing a specialist, or began a new medication, your plan needs might be different.
How I Help During Open Enrollment
Every September, I start reaching out to my clients to set up their annual review. We go through their doctors, their prescriptions, and their budget, and then I run a comparison of every plan available in their zip code. If their current plan is still the best fit, I tell them. If there is a better option, I show them the numbers side by side.
This service is free. I am paid by the insurance companies, not by you. Learn more about how I help. The premium is the same whether you enroll through me or on your own.
Do Not Wait Until December
Every year I get calls in the first week of December from people who just realized Open Enrollment is almost over. By then, the process feels rushed and stressful. The best time to start your review is in October, right when the window opens. That gives you plenty of time to compare options and ask questions.
If you want to get ahead of it this year, call me at 480-296-5804 or request a free plan review. I will make sure you are in the best plan for 2027.