The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7, 2026. Here is exactly what you can do and a quick checklist.
Use the period to review the next year’s coverage, even if you decide to keep your plan. Read the Annual Notice of Change and compare the items that matter for your care. A decision to stay should follow a review of the changes rather than an assumption that coverage stays identical.
Prepare your medicines, dosages, pharmacies, providers and the plan documents. Check each plan’s current information using Medicare Plan Finder. A general comparison page cannot establish whether your particular doctor participates or your medicine is covered.
Do not assume that annual health-and-drug-plan Open Enrollment gives you a Medigap guaranteed-issue right. Medigap has separate enrollment rules. Check the official Medigap guidance and applicable state protections before dropping existing coverage.
Changes made during this Open Enrollment take effect January 1 of the following year when the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7. Keep confirmation from the plan and check the effective date rather than relying on a reminder saved in a worksheet.
| Item | What it means |
|---|---|
| Annual Open Enrollment | Review or change health and drug coverage. |
| Medigap enrollment | Separate rights and timing. |
| Initial enrollment | For starting Medicare; separate rules. |
Official sources: Medicare.gov official reference · Medicare.gov official reference · Medicare.gov official reference
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 — the added explanation and linked sources only. Existing calculator outputs and earlier content require separate validation. Educational information; not individualized insurance, tax or medical advice.
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Any changes you make take effect January 1, 2027. This is the one window when everyone with Medicare can review and change drug and Medicare Advantage coverage.
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan; join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan; or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. (Medigap supplements follow their own rules.)
1) Did your plan's premium, deductible, or drug list change for 2026? 2) Are your medications still covered? 3) Are your doctors and pharmacy still in network? 4) Could a different plan cost less given the new $2,100 drug cap? 5) Has your income changed enough to affect IRMAA?
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get a second chance during the Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31). Otherwise you generally wait until next AEP.
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New here? Start free →October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
You can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can still make one change during the Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31). Otherwise you generally wait until the next AEP.
Figures on this page are verified against U.S. government primary sources: