Overview
- The Annual Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, with any changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.
- During this window you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, and join, drop, or switch a Part D drug plan.
- Review your Annual Notice of Change received by Sept. 30 to confirm 2026 premiums, coverage, networks, and whether your current plan will still be offered.
- Several insurers have scaled back 2026 Medicare Advantage offerings and certain supplemental benefits face new limits, so verify formularies, provider networks, prior authorization rules, and total out-of-pocket costs.
- Compare options on Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder, seek help from SHIP counselors or licensed brokers, note projected Part B and Part D premium increases, and consider assistance such as the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan and Medicare Savings Programs; if you miss AEP, most people are auto re-enrolled and Medicare Advantage enrollees get a Jan. 1–Mar. 31 window to make one change.