Medicare Enrollment Periods 2026
| Period | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026 | Switch MA plans, change Part D plan, switch between Original Medicare and MA |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2027 | If in MA: switch to different MA plan or return to Original Medicare once |
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months around your 65th birthday | First-time Medicare enrollment |
| Special Enrollment Period | Anytime — qualifying event required | Losing employer coverage, moving, qualifying for low-income programs |
What Can You Change During Open Enrollment?
✓ Switch Medicare Advantage plans
Move from one MA plan to another — change providers, networks, premiums, or extra benefits like dental and vision.
✓ Change your Part D drug plan
Switch to a plan with better drug coverage for your specific medications or lower premiums.
✓ Switch to Original Medicare
Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with a separate Part D plan.
✓ Join Medicare Advantage
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan that may include drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing.
Review your plan every year. Drug formularies, premiums, and provider networks change annually. Even if you are happy with your current plan, it is worth comparing to make sure it is still the best option for your medications and providers.
How to Compare Medicare Plans
- Medicare Plan Finder: Use medicare.gov/plan-compare — enter your zip code, doctors, and medications to see personalized plan comparisons
- SHIP counselors: Free, unbiased help from State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors — call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find your local SHIP
- Check your ANOC: Your current plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each September — review it for premium, copay, and formulary changes
Low-Income Help During Open Enrollment
If you have limited income, you may qualify for programs that pay your Medicare costs year-round — not just during open enrollment:
- Extra Help: Reduces Part D drug plan premiums and copays — apply anytime at SSA.gov
- QMB: Pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and all cost-sharing
- SLMB: Pays your Part B premium ($0.00/month in 2026)