Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Open Enrollment 2026
If you’re on Medicare, or will be soon, one of the most important times of the year is Open Enrollment. This annual period gives you a chance to review your coverage, make changes and ensure your plan still fits your health and financial needs. Whether you’re switching plans or just checking in, understanding how it works can save you money and stress. Let's take a look at everything you should know about Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026.
What is Open Enrollment?
Medicare Open Enrollment, sometimes called the Annual Election Period, is the time when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage for the next calendar year. It’s not the same as the Initial Enrollment Period (when you first sign up for Medicare) or the General Enrollment Period (for people who missed earlier deadlines).
During Open Enrollment, you can switch between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C), change from one Advantage plan to another, or adjust your Part D prescription drug coverage. Any changes you make will take effect on January 1, 2026.
For 2026 coverage, the Medicare Open Enrollment window runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025. That gives you about seven weeks to compare plans and make decisions. Once the period closes, you generally can’t make further changes until the next year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (for example, if you move or lose other coverage).
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll have a separate, smaller window called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1 through March 31, 2026. During that time, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.
What You Can Do
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to tailor your coverage to your current needs. Many people use it to switch plans, but even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s smart to double-check that it still works for you.
You can move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or back again. You can also change your prescription drug plan, either joining, dropping or switching to a different Part D provider. For those on Medicare Advantage, you can select a new plan if another offers better benefits, lower premiums or a more suitable network of doctors.
What to Look For
The key to getting the most out of Open Enrollment is comparison. Start by reviewing the Annual Notice of Change that your plan sends each fall. This document outlines how your plan’s costs, benefits or provider networks will change for the upcoming year. Don’t assume your plan will stay the same, because it often doesn’t.
Next, check whether your doctors, hospitals and specialists are still in your plan’s network. Losing a trusted provider can mean higher out-of-pocket costs. Review your prescription drug coverage as well. Part D plans often change which drugs they cover or move medications to higher-cost tiers. Even small shifts in formularies can add up to big expenses over time.
Cost is another critical factor. Don’t focus only on the monthly premium—look at the deductible, copays and yearly out-of-pocket maximums. A plan with a low premium may cost more overall if you have frequent doctor visits or take multiple medications.
Finally, take advantage of Medicare’s Star Ratings, which measure plan quality on a five-star scale. Higher-rated plans typically offer better service and fewer customer complaints. These ratings are published each year on Medicare.gov, making them an easy way to gauge plan performance before you decide.
What to Avoid
The biggest mistake people make during Open Enrollment is assuming that their current plan is “good enough." Even small changes, like a higher copay or a dropped medication, can make a big difference over the course of a year. Always review your plan details before automatically re-enrolling.
Another common pitfall is missing the December 7 deadline. If you wait too long, you may be stuck with your existing plan for all of 2026. Set a reminder early in the fall so you have plenty of time to compare options.
Be cautious of overly aggressive marketing. Every year, new plans advertise low premiums or “extra benefits," but those deals can sometimes hide higher costs elsewhere. Read the fine print and confirm details on Medicare.gov or through your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) before signing up.
Helpful Tips for Medicare Open Enrollment 2026
Start early! Don’t wait until December to review your options. Medicare’s Plan Finder tool online can help you compare costs and benefits side by side. If you need guidance, SHIP counselors and Medicare’s toll-free line (1-800-MEDICARE) can provide free, unbiased assistance.
It’s also smart to think ahead. Your health needs and finances may change in the next year, so choose a plan that will serve you well in the long run. For those managing chronic conditions or planning major procedures, flexibility in providers and coverage may be more valuable than the cheapest monthly premium.
Finally, keep an eye on national trends. Some insurers are expected to scale back their Medicare Advantage offerings in 2026, which could affect availability in certain regions. That’s another reason to compare early and make informed choices.
Medicare Open Enrollment isn’t just about paperwork: it’s about making sure your health coverage fits your life. From October 15 to December 7, take the time to review, compare and ask questions. A few hours spent now could save you lots of money in 2026.