The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7, 2026. Here is exactly what you can do and a quick checklist.
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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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: