Introduction to Medicare Open Enrollment
It’s once again Medicare open enrollment season, the time of year when older adults can change their Medicare coverage plans. From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, existing Medicare recipients can make changes to their coverage for the 2026 calendar year. Medicare is generally available to adults who are 65 and older. People with disabilities or certain illnesses may also qualify.
The Medicare system can be unwieldy and confusing to navigate, with many different coverage options. Medicare recipients are often bombarded by advertisements during open enrollment, particularly for privatized plans. However, according to research from KFF, the majority of Medicare recipients don’t compare their various plan options during the open enrollment period.
Understanding Open Enrollment
During the open enrollment period, Medicare recipients can change the type of coverage they have. Recipients on Medicare Advantage plans, for instance, can switch to Original Medicare, and vice versa. Those on Medicare Advantage plans can also switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
Recipients can similarly change their drug coverage — referred to as “Part D” coverage for those on Original Medicare — during the open enrollment period.
Medicare recipients who want to keep their current coverage selections do not need to take any action during the open enrollment period. However, recipients may want to check their existing selections to review any year-to-year changes to their coverage costs.
What if I’m Not Enrolled in Medicare Yet?
The Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period only applies to people who already receive Medicare benefits.
People who are not yet eligible for Medicare can sign up for their coverage plans throughout the year, at the time they become eligible. For instance, most people will become eligible the month they turn 65. Each person’s initial enrollment period begins approximately three months before their 65th birthday and ends approximately three months after.
Some people might delay enrollment because they still have employee-sponsored health care coverage. Those people can typically sign up for Medicare any time after they’ve turned 65, or up to eight months after losing other coverage.
What is Medicare Advantage?
There are two types of overarching coverage plans available through Medicare. The first is Original Medicare, or traditional Medicare, which is what most people mean when they talk about the program.
The second is Medicare Advantage, which is a privatized version of Medicare.
Original Medicare is administered through the federal government, by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The coverage is standardized and is accepted by any medical provider who accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies, such as Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield or United Healthcare. Patients can only use those plans with medical providers who are in-network, similarly to employer-sponsored insurance plans.
What is Part D Coverage?
Those on Original Medicare can choose to add drug coverage, which is also called Part D coverage.
Part D is an add-on coverage plan for prescription drugs, which are not automatically included in Original Medicare — but recipients may have other drug coverage plans through their union, another government plan or other sources.
Medicare recipients who do not have another eligible drug coverage may incur penalty fees if they opt out of Part D coverage initially and then enroll later.
How to Pick a Medicare Coverage Plan
It can be hard to know how to pick a coverage plan, and research shows that many older adults don’t get any assistance in switching their plans. At the same time, Medicare recipients may receive an influx of mailers and other advertisements about various plans.
The federal government’s Medicare.gov website offers a Medicare coverage comparison tool, which allows recipients to pull up and compare various options for Medicare Advantage, Part D and supplemental coverage plans.
For additional help, recipients can call the federal Medicare help line, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
When Does Medicare Open Enrollment End?
Medicare open enrollment begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7. Enrollees’ new selections will go into effect at the beginning of January 2026.
Conclusion
Medicare open enrollment is a crucial time for older adults to review and change their coverage plans. With many different options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the system. However, by understanding the different types of coverage plans, including Medicare Advantage and Part D, and using tools such as the Medicare coverage comparison tool, recipients can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Medicare open enrollment period?
A: The Medicare open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, during which time existing Medicare recipients can make changes to their coverage for the 2026 calendar year.
Q: Can I change my Medicare coverage plan during open enrollment?
A: Yes, during the open enrollment period, Medicare recipients can change the type of coverage they have, including switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or vice versa.
Q: What is Medicare Advantage?
A: Medicare Advantage is a privatized version of Medicare, administered by private insurance companies, which may offer added benefits such as dental insurance or gym memberships.
Q: How do I pick a Medicare coverage plan?
A: Recipients can use the Medicare coverage comparison tool on the Medicare.gov website, or call the federal Medicare help line for assistance in choosing a coverage plan.
Q: When does Medicare open enrollment end?
A: Medicare open enrollment ends on Dec. 7, and new selections will go into effect at the beginning of January 2026.
