Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: What You Need to Know

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 every year. During this window, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or back), change your Medicare Advantage plan, or switch your Part D prescription drug plan. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Key Dates for 2026

October 15, 2025: Annual Enrollment Period begins. December 7, 2025: Annual Enrollment Period ends. January 1, 2026: Changes take effect. January 1 to March 31, 2026: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, when MA enrollees can switch to a different MA plan or drop MA and return to Original Medicare.

What Changed for 2026

Part B premium: $202.90 per month (up from $185.00 in 2025). Part B deductible: $283 (up from $257). Part A deductible: $1,736 per benefit period (up from $1,676). Part D standard deductible: $615. Part D out-of-pocket cap: $2,000 (continuing from 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act). Medicare Advantage maximum out-of-pocket: $9,250 in-network (down slightly from $9,350 in 2025).

Why You Should Review Every Year

Plans change every year. Premiums go up or down. Formularies add and drop drugs. Provider networks expand or shrink. A plan that worked perfectly this year might not next year. CMS sends you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30 listing what's different about your current plan. Read it. If your drugs, doctors, or costs changed, shop around.

How to Compare Plans

Use Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov. Enter your drugs, pharmacies, and doctors to see personalized cost estimates. Look at total annual cost (premiums plus expected out-of-pocket), not just the monthly premium. Check star ratings. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or meet with a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor for free, unbiased help.