What You Need to Know About Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026

This article was written by Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS.

Medicare's open enrollment ends on December 7. You can change your coverage before then. Any changes will start on January 1, 2026. This is for people who already have Medicare Part A and/or B, with or without Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

When does the Medicare Open Enrollment Period happen?
October 15 - December 7

Who should sign up?
Anyone who is already enrolled in Medicare or an Advantage program.

When will changes in coverage start?
January 1 of the next year

These are the changes you can make:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, including plans with different coverage like prescription drugs.
• Add Part D (prescription drug) coverage.
• Switch from one Part D plan to another.
• Remove all Part D coverage.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan and miss this time, you can still make changes during the open enrollment period from January 1 to March 31, 2026. During this time, people who already have a Medicare Advantage Plan can change their plan or switch back to original Medicare.

When does the Medicare Open Enrollment Period happen?
January 1 - March 31 or within the first three (3) months of Medicare coverage.

Who should sign up?
Anyone who is already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage program.

When will changes in coverage start?
The first day of the next month.

These are the changes you can make:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, including plans with different coverage like prescription drugs.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare. If you switch to Original Medicare during this window, you will also be able to add Part D coverage.

If you are new to Medicare, you still need to sign up during the initial enrollment period.

Cost and Premium Changes

Part A Coverage - Hospital, Skilled Nursing, and Hospice

Most people don't pay for Medicare Part A premiums. This part covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care. In 2025, the Part A deductible is $1,676, and it is expected to go up to $1,716.¹ Part A deductibles occur each time you're admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility. This term is called the benefit period. You may have more than one benefit period in one year. This means that you would have more than one deductible.²

Part B Coverage - Office Visits, Medical Equipment, and Preventive Care

The Part B premium for 2025 is $185, but it is expected to go up to $206.20 in 2026.¹ The premium is paid each month, even if you don't use medical services. Part B primarily covers outpatient care such as doctor visits, durable medical equipment, and ambulance services. For 2025, the Part B deductible is set at $257 and may go up to $288 in 2026.¹ This deductible is paid once a year before Medicare begins covering your medical bills. Part B also requires you to pay 20% of the costs after you have paid your deductible. This is called your coinsurance.²

Part D Coverage - Prescription Drugs

Part D premiums change based on the plan. Private insurance companies sell these plans. Each plan has a different list of covered drugs. In 2026, the most a Part D plan can charge for a deductible is $615. Some plans have no deductible at all.³

After you meet your deductible, you may need to pay copayments or coinsurance for your medicines until you reach the out-of-pocket maximum. In 2026, this limit was raised to $2,100. After you reach this limit, you will not have to pay for medications covered by your Part D plan for the rest of the calendar year.

To help with medication fees at the beginning of the year, Medicare offers the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. This is also called "smoothing." This option allows you to pay for your medications in equal payments over the remaining months in the calendar year instead of up-front at the pharmacy. If you are interested in smoothing, you must opt in with your Part D plan.

Other Changes

This year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a new program called WISeR. It starts in January 2026 and will be tested in six states: Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. The program will require approval before certain Medicare services are given, even if approval was not needed before. The goal is to cut costs and focus on the services that are best for patients. The program will last for six years.⁴

If you live in one of the states, your care might be delayed. This is because providers need to get approval first.

Action Checklist

If you are enrolling in Medicare benefits for 2026, it's important to review your plan and other options that you may have.

• Look over your plan carefully. Check the "Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) for 2026 to see if any changes are important to you.
• Look for plans available in your area to make the best decision. Compare premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and the covered provider network. If you're having trouble finding the plans available near you, check out these resources:
  • Medicare Plan Finder
  • Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
  • Medicare Rights Counseling
  • Patient Advocate Foundation Case Management Services
• Look over the covered medications on your Part D plan. Look at what tier they're on so that you know what out-of-pocket cost they will be.
  • If your medicines cost a lot at the start, talk to your Part D plan about joining the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. It costs nothing and might save you money early in the year.

Reviewing your insurance options now can save you time and money later. Your coverage might change a little each year, but checking your options helps you understand your coverage better.