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Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: What Changed and What You Must Do Before Dec 7

Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 guide — senior couple reviewing Medicare plan papers

 

Medicare Open Enrollment is happening right now. From October 15 through December 7, 2026, you have one chance to change your Medicare coverage for 2027 — and this year, the stakes are higher than usual. Premiums jumped nearly 10%, prescription drug rules changed again, and Medicare negotiated lower prices on 10 major medications for the first time ever.

Whether you love your current plan or not, doing nothing this fall is a gamble. Plans change their costs, drug lists, and networks every year. Here's everything you need to know — and exactly what to do before December 7.

What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 every year. During this window you can:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or back)
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
  • Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
  • Add or change supplemental coverage options

Any changes you make take effect January 1, 2027. If you do nothing, your current coverage generally rolls over — but at next year's prices and with next year's rules.

What Changed for 2026-2027: The Numbers That Matter

Part B costs jumped sharply: The standard monthly Part B premium is $202.90 in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. The annual Part B deductible rose to $283, up from $257.

Income-based surcharges (IRMAA): kick in at $109,000 individual / $218,000 joint. Top tier reaches $689.90/month.

Part A hospital deductible: $1,736 per benefit period in 2026, up from $1,676.

Part D prescription drugs: Out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 in 2026 (up from $2,000). Maximum deductible $615. The coverage gap (donut hole) no longer exists. Medicare Prescription Payment Plan continues.

10 drugs got negotiated prices: Medicare negotiated lower prices on 10 high-cost medications with at least 38% discounts. If you take Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, or Januvia, costs could drop significantly.

New protections: Hospital stay approvals in Medicare Advantage are now locked in. Advanced Primary Care Management services now covered monthly.

What You Must Review This Fall

  1. Your prescription drugs (Part D) — the #1 reason to switch. Check your plan's formulary for 2027. Use Medicare's Plan Finder at medicare.gov.
  2. Your doctors and pharmacies. Verify they're still in-network for 2027.
  3. Your total costs, not just the premium. Compare premium, deductible, copays, out-of-pocket maximum, and drug costs.
  4. Extra benefits you'll actually use. Don't pick a plan for a $50 dental allowance if drug coverage costs $500 more.
  5. Your life changes. Moved? New diagnosis? New medication? Open enrollment is your annual reset.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan

  1. Step 1: Gather documents (Medicare card, medications list, doctors' names, Annual Notice of Change).
  2. Step 2: Read your Annual Notice of Change.
  3. Step 3: Use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov.
  4. Step 4: Call 1-800-MEDICARE or your SHIP for free counseling.
  5. Step 5: Enroll by December 7. No extensions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Auto-renewing without checking
  • Choosing by premium alone
  • Ignoring the drug formulary
  • Assuming your doctor is still in-network
  • Missing the December 7 deadline
  • Getting advice from someone selling you a plan
  • Forgetting the Prescription Payment Plan

Key Deadlines

  • October 15, 2026 — enrollment begins.
  • December 7, 2026 — enrollment ends (no extensions).
  • January 1, 2027 — new coverage takes effect.

The Bottom Line

Medicare Open Enrollment is the one time each year you have full control over your healthcare coverage. Don't gamble with auto-renewal. Spend an hour with the Medicare Plan Finder before December 7.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not insurance or financial advice. For free, unbiased help, contact your SHIP or call 1-800-MEDICARE.


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