Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the one time each year when most beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage. For 2026 plans, AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025. If you have been meaning to review your options, now is the time because once the window closes on December 7, most people will not be able to change their plan until next fall unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

What You Can Do Before December 7

• • Switch Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Review your plan along with provider networks and referral rules.
  • Move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Evaluate how each path affects your access to doctors, out-of-pocket costs, and the need for supplemental coverage.
  • Review or change your Part D prescription drug plan. Formularies and preferred pharmacies can change each year. Make sure your current medications are covered at the best total cost.
  • Check total expected costs, not just the monthly cost. Consider deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage.
  • Verify your doctors and pharmacies. Networks and preferred pharmacy lists change. Confirm that your preferred providers and pharmacies remain in-network for 2026.

Why It Matters Every Year

Every year brings updates to plan changes, networks, and drug formularies. Even if you liked your 2025 coverage, the 2026 version of your plan may look different. A brief review can prevent surprises in January such as a higher copay, a medication moving to a different tier, or a doctor no longer being in-network.

A Simple Plan Review Checklist

1. 1. Make a quick list of your doctors and specialists. Confirm network status for 2026.
   2. Gather your prescriptions and dosages. Use them to review total Part D or Medicare Advantage drug costs.
   3. Estimate your 2026 usage. Consider upcoming procedures, therapies, or brand-name medications.
   4. Look at star ratings and member experience. They can be helpful when you are choosing between similar options.

What Happens If You Miss December 7

If you do not make changes by December 7, 2025, your current selections typically roll into 2026 with any plan-driven changes. After AEP, your next broad opportunity is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31), which only applies if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. It allows a one-time switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or to return to Original Medicare with the option to add Part D. Otherwise, you would need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period triggered by specific life events such as moving out of your plan’s service area, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, certain plan contract changes, and a few others.