Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2026: What Seniors Need to Know Before December 7

If you have Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period lets you review your coverage and decide whether it still fits your needs. In 2026, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes you make must be received by December 7 and generally take effect January 1, 2027.

You don’t have to make a change just because the window is open. But it’s worth checking whether your plan’s costs, doctors, pharmacies, and prescription coverage will work for you next year. Here’s a straightforward guide to what you can do and what to keep in mind.

What is Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period?

AEP is the annual period when Medicare beneficiaries can make certain changes to their health and prescription drug coverage. It’s also called Open Enrollment.

This is a good time to review your current coverage and compare it with available options for the coming year. Plans can change their premiums, copayments, provider networks, covered drugs, and other details.

Changes you make during the 2026 AEP apply to 2027 coverage. Check your plan’s Annual Notice of Change and other plan materials so you understand what may be different. You can also compare options using Medicare’s Plan Finder.

Who can use AEP?

AEP is for people who already have Medicare and want to review or change their coverage. The changes available to you depend on how you currently receive Medicare.

If you’re new to Medicare, your enrollment timing may depend on your Initial Enrollment Period or another qualifying enrollment period. AEP isn’t a substitute for every Medicare enrollment window. If you’re unsure which period applies to you, check with Medicare or speak with a knowledgeable guide.

What changes can you make during AEP?

During October 15–December 7, you can generally make these changes:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Join, change, or drop a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan you have Original Medicare, you can join, change, or drop a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
• Change Medicare Advantage plans with or without drug coverage, where the plan options allow.

If you return to Original Medicare and need prescription drug coverage, you may be able to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage generally combine medical and prescription benefits, so review how a plan handles your medicines before you enroll.

Learn more about AEP options on Medicare’s Open Enrollment page.

Compare more than the monthly premium

A lower-premium plan may not be the best fit if your doctors are out of network or your prescriptions cost more. Before choosing, consider your total expected costs and how you use care.

Take time to check:

• Doctors and hospitals: Are your preferred providers in the plan’s network?
• Prescription drugs: Are your medicines covered, and what will they cost at your pharmacy?
• Out-of-pocket costs: Compare deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.
• Access to care: Look at provider networks and any rules for referrals or prior approval.
• Your needs for next year: Consider expected appointments, treatments, travel, and other coverage needs.

Avoid choosing based only on an advertised extra benefit or a plan’s monthly premium. Read the current plan details and make sure the coverage matches your real priorities. Medicare’s yearly review guide can help you organize the comparison.

Where does Medicare Supplement insurance fit in?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, is private insurance that can help pay some out-of-pocket costs when you have Original Medicare. It is not the same as Medicare Advantage, and it doesn't cover Medicare Advantage plan deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or premiums.

A key point: AEP is not an annual Medigap enrollment period. Federal Medigap Open Enrollment generally lasts six months, starting when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. It’s a one-time period, not a window that repeats each fall. Outside that period, you may have to answer health questions, pay more, or be denied a policy unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue right or have additional protections under state law. You can read more about Medigap enrollment rules.

If you have Medigap and are considering Medicare Advantage, think carefully before canceling your supplement. In many cases, you may not be able to get that policy back later. Likewise, if you’re moving from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, your ability to buy Medigap may depend on your situation and state rules. Confirm your Medigap options before you make a change by contacting the insurer or your State Insurance Department.

Coverage choices can feel complicated, especially when you’re comparing different ways to receive Medicare benefits. We can help you review Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options and understand which questions to ask. Explore our Medicare coverage options.

Common AEP mistakes to avoid

A careful review can help prevent surprises after January 1. Watch for these common missteps:

1. Letting your current plan roll over without checking it. Your plan may change its costs, network, or drug coverage for 2027.
2. Looking only at the premium. Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and prescription costs all matter.
3. Assuming your doctor or pharmacy is still covered. Confirm directly with the plan and provider.
4. Overlooking your prescriptions. Check each medicine, its coverage tier, and any plan requirements.
5. Dropping Medigap before confirming your options. AEP doesn't guarantee you can buy a Medigap policy later.
6. Waiting until the final day. Your plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7. Allow time to compare and complete the paperwork.

A simple checklist before December 7

Before you decide, gather your current plan documents, a list of your prescriptions, and the names of the doctors and facilities you want to keep. Compare your current coverage with available 2027 options, then confirm important details with the plan. If you’re considering moving between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, review the Medigap implications before changing coverage.

If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage and miss AEP, there is also a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. It has different rules and doesn't replace AEP or offer a general opportunity to switch stand-alone Part D plans. For more details, visit Medicare’s enrollment-period guide.

Get support comparing your options

The right choice depends on your health needs, budget, prescriptions, preferred providers, and comfort with different plan structures. You don’t have to sort through every detail alone.

At Coverage Compass Agency, we can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options and talk through what matters most to you. If you’d like a clear place to start, contact our team.