Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2026
Every fall, Medicare gives you a window to review, compare, and change your coverage. My job is to make sure your plan still fits your health, your doctors, and your budget before the December 7 deadline.
Free plan review. No obligation. Licensed agent in CA, AZ, WA, TX, and FL.
What changes during AEP
What can I change during the Annual Enrollment Period?
This is your yearly chance to adjust your Medicare coverage. Any changes you make take effect January 1.
Switch Medicare Advantage plans
Move to a different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with better benefits, lower copays, or the doctors you prefer.
Return to Original Medicare
Leave a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. You may also add a Medicare Supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan.
Change prescription drug coverage
Switch Part D plans if your medications, formulary, or preferred pharmacy changed for next year.
Important deadline
Changes must be made by December 7, 2026. Coverage starts January 1, 2027. Missing this window usually means waiting until the next Annual Enrollment Period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Plan review checklist
7 questions to ask before December 7
The best Medicare plan last year may not be the best plan next year. Run through this checklist to see if it's time for a change.
Did your doctors, specialists, or hospital leave the plan's network?
Have your monthly premiums, deductibles, or copays gone up?
Are your prescriptions still covered at the lowest cost?
Did your health needs change in the past year?
Does the plan still cover your preferred pharmacy?
Are there new benefits — dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation — you could use?
Do you want more predictable costs with a Medicare Supplement?
Not sure how to answer these? I compare plans for you.
Medicare calendar
Key Medicare enrollment windows
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7
Change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after turning 65
Your first chance to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Varies
Triggered by moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, or other life changes.
Common questions
AEP questions I hear most often
Do I have to change my Medicare plan every year?
No. If you're happy with your current plan, you can keep it. But I always recommend a quick review because benefits, networks, and drug formularies change annually.
Can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during AEP?
Yes. AEP is the time to switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or change your Part D drug plan.
What happens if I miss the December 7 deadline?
In most cases, you'll wait until the next AEP unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a move, loss of coverage, or other life change.
Is there a cost to have you review my plan?
No. My help is free. I get paid by the insurance carrier if you choose a plan through me, but your premium is the same as going directly to the carrier.
Don't wait until the deadline. Let's review your plan today.
Send me your current plan details and I'll compare your options for 2027. It takes just a few minutes and there's no pressure to switch.