Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. It’s the yearly window when people with Medicare can review their health and drug coverage and decide whether to keep it or make a change for 2027. If your new plan gets your request by December 7, the change takes effect January 1, 2027.
If you’re happy with your current coverage, you don’t have to do anything; it generally continues on its own. Plan costs and benefits can still change on January 1, though, so a short review each fall is worth the time.
What you can do during Annual Enrollment
According to Medicare.gov, between October 15 and December 7 you can:
- Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan, with or without drug coverage
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
- Join, switch or drop a Medicare drug plan if you have Original Medicare
Start with your Annual Notice of Change
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change each fall. It lists what will be different next year, such as the monthly premium, deductible, copays, provider network and drug list. Read it before you decide anything. Small changes can matter a lot if you see a specialist often or take several prescriptions.
Your 2027 review checklist
Doctors and hospitals. Confirm that the doctors, specialists and hospitals you rely on are still in your plan’s network for 2027.
Pharmacies. Check that your usual pharmacy is still in network, and whether the plan’s preferred pharmacies have changed.
Prescriptions. Make a list of every drug you take, with dose and how often. Then check each one against the plan’s 2027 drug list (formulary) and note any new rules, such as prior authorization.
Total yearly costs. Look past the monthly premium. Add up the deductible, copays and coinsurance you expect to pay based on how you actually use care.
Other coverage. If you have retiree or employer coverage, talk with that benefits administrator before you change anything. A Medicare change can affect that coverage.
Cost figures to know
Part D out-of-pocket limit. Once your out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs reaches the yearly limit, you pay nothing more out of pocket for covered Part D drugs for the rest of that calendar year. The limit is $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027.
Part D deductible. No Medicare drug plan can have a deductible above $615 in 2026 or $700 in 2027. Some plans have a lower deductible or none.
Part B. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, and the Part B deductible is $283. CMS hasn’t announced the 2027 Part B amounts yet; they’re usually released in the fall. Some people pay a higher Part B premium based on income.
Missed December 7?
If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, there’s a second window: the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 through March 31. During it, you can make one change. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or drop your plan and return to Original Medicare (and join a separate drug plan). The change takes effect the first of the month after the plan gets your request. This period doesn’t let someone with Original Medicare switch drug plans.
A note on dates
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) isn’t the same as ACA Marketplace open enrollment, which runs November 1 to January 15 for people under 65 who buy their own coverage. If you have family members shopping on HealthCare.gov, our ACA open enrollment checklist and health insurance page can help them get started.
How our team can help
Our office helps people with Medicare compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Part D options with a licensed agent. Evin van Doesburg has been licensed since 2019. We work with clients in Sugar Land, The Woodlands and across Texas. Learn more on our Medicare page.
Start your Medicare review: Medicare Intake
Office (calls only): 1-888-885-6201
WhatsApp: +1 832-292-8983 (WhatsApp only)
Email: guardianinsurancesrvs@gmail.com
Spanish-speaking clients are welcome to message us on WhatsApp or by email.
Medicare disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer 326 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.