Medicare open enrollment happens every fall from October 15th through December 7th.
This enrollment period is only for existing Medicare enrollees who want to make changes to their coverage. Any changes you make during the 2026 Medicare enrollment period will affect your 2027 Medicare plan, beginning January 1st, 2027.
What can you do during Medicare open enrollment?
During Medicare open enrollment, sometimes called the Medicare annual enrollment, you can change Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans, including changing your coverage, switching between plan types and adding prescription drug benefits.
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4 questions to ask during Medicare open enrollment
Participating in open enrollment is an important step to making sure that you have the health benefits you need for the upcoming year. When comparing plans, ask yourself:
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What new Medicare plans are available for 2024?
Plan availability and the cost of Medicare change each year. We recommend that all enrollees review their options annually to compare rates and make sure they're getting the best deal. If you want to keep the same coverage, your Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) will tell you how your current plan is changing.
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Does your coverage match your medical needs?
If your medical situation has changed, updating your policy can help you save money. When comparing plans, look at the total cost of health care and insurance. For example, if you expect to need significant medical care in the coming year, a more expensive Medicare Advantage plan with better coverage can help reduce your total health care spending.
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Do you want to change Medicare plan styles?
If you're unhappy with Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you can switch between the two during open enrollment. Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more popular because policies frequently include benefits for prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing aids and more.
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Do you have gaps in your prescription drug coverage?
During open enrollment, you can switch to a policy that has better coverage for the medications you need. This can include changing companies to access a different drug formulary or changing plans to improve your benefits.
Questions about Medicare? Talk to a licensed insurance agent!
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