[Last updated September 9, 2025]

An older adult woman sits at a table in front of a laptop. She is taking notes in a notebook.
During the Medicare open enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their plan. Learn the details here. Photo Credit: iStock.com/adamkaz

People who qualify for Medicare benefits have the opportunity to change their plans during the annual open enrollment period, which occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Whether you have chosen to cover your Medicare insurance needs through a Medicare Advantage plan or through original Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan, each fall, you’ll have the opportunity to revisit some of your coverage decisions during that time. 

The Medicare annual open enrollment period doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. Think of it as your yearly opportunity to fine-tune your health coverage and secure the peace of mind you deserve.  

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to prepare for open enrollment. 

What is the Medicare open enrollment period? 

The Medicare open enrollment period is your once-a-year opportunity to take control of your health coverage. You may also see it called the annual enrollment period, or AEP. It’s the time to ensure your plan still meets your needs and budget, especially as both your health and the health care landscape can change from one year to the next.

The Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, and any changes you make will take effect on January 1.

Even if you were happy with your plan last year, it’s crucial to review your options. Here’s why:

  • Plan changes: The premiums, copays, deductibles, and covered prescriptions in your current plan may change. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the network of doctors and hospitals may also differ.
  • Health needs: Your personal health needs may have evolved. A plan that was perfect a year ago may no longer be the best fit if you have a new diagnosis, require a new prescription, or plan to seek care from a specialist.

Changes you can make during the Medicare open enrollment period

During this period, you have several options:

  • Switch from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
  • Purchase, drop, or change your Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Purchase, drop, or change to a different Part D Medicare drug plan (if you’re in original Medicare).
  • Make no changes at all.

The window to make these adjustments is crucial, so you’ll want to put its dates (October 15 to December 7) on your calendar and set an automatic reminder on a specific date to keep track of the approaching deadline. 

Prepare for the 2026 Medicare open enrollment period in 7 steps

Instead of merely checking off a list, consider these steps a strategic journey. You’ll begin by gathering documents and the personal information you’ll use to analyze your needs and compare plans.

Step 1: Get organized with key information

Before you begin your research, gather the essential documents and information that will serve as your roadmap. They include: 

  • Your Medicare ID card.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • A list of all your current health care providers (including any specialists, dentists, or vision care providers).
  • A complete list of your prescription medications, including dosages.

Having these details on hand will make it easy to verify if a new plan’s network and formulary (its list of covered drugs) align with your needs. 

Step 2: Understand your annual notice of change (ANOC)

By September 15, your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan will send you an annual notice of change (ANOC). The ANOC details all the changes coming to your plan in the next year, including:

  • Changes in monthly premiums.
  • Adjustments to deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
  • Changes to the list of covered drugs (your formulary) or the tier your medications fall under.
  • Alterations to the provider network.
  • Changes in the plan’s service area.

If you don’t receive an ANOC by early October, contact your plan immediately. (Note that you won’t receive an ANOC for a Medigap plan.) Failing to acknowledge this notice means you’re accepting all upcoming changes, which may result in unexpected costs. Also, confirm the insurer has your correct mailing address.

Step 3: Reflect on your health and lifestyle 

Open enrollment is the time to look forward. Take a moment to assess your health over the past year and anticipate your needs for the next. Ask yourself:

  • Have I been prescribed any new medications? Will I need new ones in the next year?
  • Do I anticipate needing new services, like dental work, hearing aids, or new glasses? (Note: Original Medicare does not cover these services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.)
  • Could my travel plans for the coming year become a concern? Original Medicare covers you throughout the U.S. and its territories, but Medicare Advantage plans often have limited service areas within the U.S. Original Medicare does not cover services outside of the U.S. except in emergency situations. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage in emergencies, but plans vary. Some Medigap plans may help while traveling abroad if you have original Medicare. 

Considering these factors will help you narrow your search to plans that provide the specific coverage you need.

Step 4: Acknowledge the significant changes in 2026 

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) continues to bring significant changes to Medicare, especially for prescription drugs. Be aware of these key updates for 2026:

  • Part D out-of-pocket cap: The out-of-pocket spending cap for prescription drugs will increase slightly to $2,100 (up from $2,000 in 2025). Once you reach this limit, you will not pay for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.
  • Insulin price cap: The $35 monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for insulin will remain a permanent feature for those on Medicare Part D and Part B.
  • Negotiated drug prices: More high-cost drugs will be subject to Medicare price negotiations, which may lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for you. The impact of this one change is significant, and it’s essential to check if your medications are on the list of negotiated drugs.
  • Part D deductible: The maximum deductible for Part D plans is increasing to $615 (up from $590 in 2025). Your plan’s deductible may be lower, but it cannot exceed this amount. 

These changes can impact your overall costs, making it more critical than ever to compare plans and find the best value. 

Step 5: Compare your options 

Once you have reviewed your ANOC and considered your needs and the new 2026 changes, it’s time to familiarize yourself with and compare the plans. A great place to start is the official Medicare plan finder tool on Medicare.gov.

Use the tool to explore different Medicare Advantage plan types (like HMOs, PPOs, PFFS, and SNP) and providers. Pay close attention to: 

  • Premiums: The monthly amount you pay to be in the plan.
  • Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance: What you pay when you receive care or fill a prescription.
  • Covered services: Be sure the plan still provides the services that you value.
  • Provider networks: Ensure your preferred doctors are in network.
  • Drug formularies: Confirm that your medications are covered and determine their tier classification, as this directly affects your copay rates.

Step 6: Seek expert advice

The world of Medicare is complex, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Consider contacting a licensed health insurance agent or broker who specializes in Medicare. Other valuable resources include:

These experts can help you understand your options, clarify the new changes, and help you make an informed decision.

Step 7: Make your final choice and enroll 

Once you have a clear understanding of your options, it’s time to make a decision. The easiest way to enroll in or switch plans is by using the official Medicare plan finder or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). 

If you’re moving from one plan to another, remember that enrolling in a new plan automatically disenrolls you from your old one. You only need to take one action, but you must do it before the December 7 deadline.

If you are satisfied with your current plan and its changes for 2026, you don’t need to take any action. You will be automatically reenrolled for the new year.

Get the coverage you need during Medicare open enrollment

Medicare open enrollment is a chance to review your current plan and make changes if needed. Reviewing your options during Medicare open enrollment can help you avoid surprises and make sure you’re getting the coverage you need. By being proactive, you can feel confident that you have the right Medicare coverage to support your health and financial well-being in 2026 and beyond.

This information is for educational purposes and is not legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. It should not be substituted for information from professionals authorized to practice in your area. You should always consult a suitably qualified professional regarding your specific situation.