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Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. This is the one window each year when you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Part D prescription drug plans, or add coverage you did not have before. Missing this window means you are locked into your current coverage for all of 2027.
Most beneficiaries do not review their coverage annually and end up overpaying or in plans that no longer fit their needs. Here is how to review your coverage in under an hour.
What You Can Change During Open Enrollment
- Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Add or change a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan — though Medigap has separate rules and may require medical underwriting outside specific windows
Why You Should Review Every Year Even If Nothing Seems Broken
Plans change every year. Your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan may have:
- Increased premiums for 2027
- Removed your doctor from the network
- Changed your prescription’s tier (making it more expensive)
- Added or removed benefits you use (dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships)
Medicare sends the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each September — it shows what is changing in your current plan for next year. Read it before the enrollment window opens. If your plan is getting worse, you have the opportunity to switch.
Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: The Core Decision
Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
Covers hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) care. Works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide — the broadest network possible. Does not cover prescription drugs (need separate Part D), dental, vision, or hearing. Has no out-of-pocket maximum — your costs are unlimited without supplemental coverage. Most beneficiaries add a Medigap policy to cap out-of-pocket costs and a Part D plan for prescriptions.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private insurance plans that bundle Parts A, B, and usually D together, often with dental, vision, and hearing benefits included. Typically lower premiums than Original Medicare plus Medigap, but with network restrictions (HMO or PPO) and prior authorization requirements for some services. Has a mandatory out-of-pocket maximum ($9,350 in 2026 for in-network costs). Often includes extra benefits like gym memberships, over-the-counter allowances, and telehealth.
Medicare Advantage works best for: people who are generally healthy, live in areas with strong Advantage networks, and want the convenience of bundled coverage at lower premium cost. Original Medicare works best for: people with chronic conditions who need specialist access, those who travel frequently or live part-year in different states, and anyone who values unlimited provider choice.
Step-by-Step Review Process
Step 1: Read your ANOC
The Annual Notice of Change arrives by September 30. If you did not receive one, call your plan or check their website. Look for changes to premium, deductible, copays, drug formulary, and network.
Step 2: Check if your doctors and drugs are still covered
Call your primary doctor and any specialists you see regularly to confirm they will still be in-network for your plan in 2027. For Part D, use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov/plan-compare to enter your specific medications and compare what each plan would cost for your drug list.
Step 3: Compare alternatives on medicare.gov
Medicare’s Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare shows all available plans in your zip code, their premiums, their star ratings (1-5 stars, with 5 being best), and estimated annual costs based on your drug list and usage patterns. Sort by estimated annual cost to find the plan that is cheapest for your specific situation.
Focus on plans with 4 or 5 stars — these consistently outperform lower-rated plans on quality metrics and customer satisfaction.
Step 4: Consider the Extra Help program
If your income is limited, the Extra Help program (also called the Low Income Subsidy) pays most of your Part D premium and reduces copays significantly. In 2026, you may qualify if your income is below approximately $22,590 (individual) or $30,660 (married couple). Apply at ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Key Dates
- September 30: Plans must send Annual Notice of Change
- October 15: Open Enrollment begins
- December 7: Open Enrollment ends — last day to make changes
- January 1, 2027: New coverage begins
If You Miss the Window
Missing the October 15 – December 7 window means you are locked into your current coverage until the next open enrollment unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — triggered by events like moving to a new service area, losing other coverage, or your plan leaving Medicare.
Medicare Advantage also has a separate Open Enrollment Period January 1 – March 31, 2027, during which you can switch from one Advantage plan to another or drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare. This is a safety valve if you miss the main window or your new coverage is not working well.
Sources: Medicare.gov; CMS Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 fact sheet; Social Security Administration Extra Help program. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute health insurance advice.
