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Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: dates, what you can change, and 6 checks
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. It is the yearly window to change how you get your Medicare coverage. Changes you make start January 1, 2027. This guide gives you the dates, what you can and cannot change, and six checks to do before you decide. It does not tell you which plan to pick. Only you can weigh your doctors, drugs and budget.
Figures as of October 2026. Download the one-page Open Enrollment checklist (PDF). No sign-up needed.
What are the Medicare Open Enrollment dates for 2026?
Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. If your plan gets your request by December 7, the change starts January 1, 2027. A change you make in this window does not take effect right away, so you keep your current coverage through December 31.
Source: Medicare.gov, joining a plan.
What can I change during Open Enrollment?
You can join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage plan, switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and join, drop or switch a Medicare drug plan (Part D). You do not have to change anything. If you are happy with your coverage, you can leave it as it is, but plans change their costs and coverage every year, so a check is still worth your time.
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan, drop it, or switch to a different one.
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or the other way around.
- Join a Medicare drug plan, drop it, or switch to a different one.
Before you drop a Medigap policy, read the guaranteed-issue warning in our guide to Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap.
What are the 6 checks to do before you decide?
Check your drugs, your doctors, your pharmacies, your total costs, any other coverage you have, and whether the plan works where you travel or live part of the year. These are the plan checks Medicare.gov lists. Do them for your current plan and for any plan you are thinking about.
- Your drugs. Is every drug you take covered, and at what cost? Plans can change their drug lists each year.
- Your doctors. Are your doctors and hospitals still in the plan's network, if it has one?
- Your pharmacies. Is your pharmacy in the plan, and does it cost more than another one?
- Your costs. Look at premiums, deductibles and copays together, not just the monthly premium.
- Your other coverage. Do you have coverage from an employer, a union, the VA or Medigap that could be affected by a change?
- Other-state coverage. If you travel or live in another state for part of the year, does the plan cover you there?
Source: Medicare.gov, joining a plan.
How do I compare plans and make a change?
Use the official Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans in your area, then ask the plan you choose to enroll you. Free, local help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) with questions.
- Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare
- Free counseling: shiphelp.org
- Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
You never need to pay anyone for Medicare help.
What scams show up during Open Enrollment?
Scam calls rise when people are looking at plans. The Social Security Administration warns about callers who threaten to suspend your Social Security number, demand unusual payment methods, or use fake call transfers to look official. If a call feels wrong, hang up and contact the agency yourself using a number from its official website.
Social Security's scam alert page lists the warning signs and how to report a scam at oig.ssa.gov/report. See ssa.gov/scam.
Frequently asked questions
When is Medicare Open Enrollment 2026?
October 15 to December 7, 2026. If your plan gets your request by December 7, the change starts January 1, 2027.
Do I have to do anything during Open Enrollment?
No. If you are happy with your coverage you can leave it as it is. Plans can change their costs, drug lists and networks each year, so it is worth checking.
What can I change during Medicare Open Enrollment?
You can join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage plan, switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and join, drop or switch a Medicare drug plan.
When do my Open Enrollment changes start?
On January 1, 2027, as long as your plan gets your request by December 7, 2026.
Where can I compare plans for free?
On the official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Free local counseling is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Should I pay someone to help me choose a plan?
You never need to pay anyone for Medicare help. SHIP counseling and 1-800-MEDICARE are free.
Sources
Figures are as of October 2026, from the pages below. Rules and costs change, so check the page before you rely on a number.
- Medicare.gov, joining a plan: Open Enrollment dates, what you can change, plan checks. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan
- Medicare.gov, talk to someone: 1-800-MEDICARE. https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone
- Social Security Administration, scam warnings and how to report. https://www.ssa.gov/scam/
- Medicare Plan Finder. https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare
Related: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Medicare Savings Programs and senior discounts you can verify.
General education only, not insurance, financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Ask Margaret is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of Medicare, CMS, the Social Security Administration or any government agency. We do not sell insurance or Medicare plans and do not recommend any plan.
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