2026 Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know
Every fall, Medicare enrollees have an important opportunity to review and update their health and drug coverage. The 2026 Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025, during which any changes you make will take effect January 1, 2026. Medicare+2
What You Can Do During Open Enrollment
During this time, you’re allowed to:
Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
Enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan medicareresources.org+2
2026 Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
- Review your current coverage
- Compare Medicare Advantage & Part D plans
- Switch plans if needed
- Update personal info & enrollments
- Submit changes by Dec 7th, 2025
What’s New in 2026: Key Projections & Changes
While official rates and rules will be confirmed later in 2025, several credible estimates and announcements are already providing guidance:
| Area | Projected Change | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Premium | ~$206.50/month (↑ $21.50) (AARP) | Higher monthly cost for most Medicare beneficiaries |
| Part B Deductible | ~$288 (↑ from $257) (medicareresources.org) | You’ll pay more out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in |
| Part D / Drug Costs | Out-of-pocket cap expected to rise to $2,100, deductible may increase to ~$615 (Kiplinger) | Protects against runaway drug expenses after reaching the cap |
| Plan Premiums & Benefits | Avg. MA and Part D premiums are expected to remain stable or even decline slightly (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) | You might find more favorable rates or benefit offerings |
| Other Adjustments | New enrollment forms for MA starting 2026 (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) | Plans will begin using updated forms for coverage starting Jan 1, 2026 |
Because these are projections, it’s critical to verify the final numbers once CMS publishes them.
Why Open Enrollment Is So Important
Avoid Surprise Costs: Your current plan may raise premiums, reduce benefits, or change networks — without a change, you’ll be stuck with the new terms.
Optimize Coverage for Your Needs: Your health, medications, or financial situation may have changed. Use this window to align your plan with your current needs.
Take Advantage of Prescription Protections: The projected $2,100 cap on out-of-pocket drug expenses can provide a floor of protection for high-cost medications.
Leverage Expert Help: Comparing plans can be complex. Programs like SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) offer free counseling to help you understand options.
What to Do Now (Before Enrollment)
Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
You should receive this in September — it outlines benefit, premium, network, and formulary changes coming in 2026.Convert your medications and health needs into plan criteria
Use your current prescriptions, doctors, and anticipated needs to compare plan formularies, co-pays, and provider networks.Use the Medicare Plan Finder & comparison tools
Start comparing available plans in your area early so you’re ready to act between October 15 and December 7.Seek help if needed
SHIP counselors, licensed agents, or trusted advisors can help you understand tradeoffs and avoid costly mistakes.
Don’t Delay — Mark Your Calendar
Open Enrollment is a finite window. Any changes you make during October 15 – December 7 will become effective on January 1, 2026. Medicare+2medicareresources.org+2
If you take no action, your current plan will generally roll over — including any new costs or reduced benefits. That’s why early review is key.