Every fall, Medicare Open Enrollment gives you a chance to review your coverage and make changes for the coming year. But a lot of people either forget about it, assume their plan is fine, or feel overwhelmed by the options. If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you.
Here is what you need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026, how it works, and what you should do to make sure you are not leaving money on the table.
When Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
For this fall, the Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15–December 7, 2026, for coverage generally effective January 1, 2027. The plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7. These dates apply in Arizona as well as other states. Source: Medicare Open Enrollment.
There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. During this window, if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare with a Part D plan.
What Can You Change During Open Enrollment?
During the Annual Enrollment Period you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or the other way around. You can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. You can join a Part D prescription drug plan, switch to a different one, or drop Part D coverage. You can also add or remove supplemental coverage depending on your situation.
AEP is not an annual guaranteed-issue window for Medigap. You may apply to change a Medigap supplement during the fall or at another time, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment period or a qualifying protection, the insurer may use medical underwriting or decline the application. Confirm acceptance and the effective date before dropping coverage you are relying on. Source: Medicare’s Medigap enrollment guidance.
Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year
Medicare plans change every January 1st. Insurance carriers adjust which doctors are in their networks. They change their drug formularies, moving medications to different tiers or dropping them entirely. Copays, coinsurance rates, and out-of-pocket maximums shift. A plan that saved you money last year could cost you significantly more this year.
A review does not automatically mean you need to switch. Start with the notice your current plan sends in September, then compare the changes with your doctors, prescriptions, and expected care. Use my Medicare Annual Notice of Change checklist for Arizona residents to work through the questions step by step.
What to Check During Your Annual Review
Start with your doctors. Make sure every provider you see is still in your plan’s network for the coming year. Then check your medications. Look at the plan’s formulary to confirm your prescriptions are still covered and see what tier they are on. Compare the total estimated annual cost, not just the monthly premium. A plan with a zero-dollar premium might cost you more in copays and deductibles than a plan with a small monthly premium.
Finally, think about any changes in your health over the past year. If you had a new diagnosis, started seeing a specialist, or began a new medication, your plan needs might be different.
How I Help During Open Enrollment
During a review, we discuss your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacy, budget, and coverage questions. I compare the plans I am contracted to offer; I do not represent every plan available. September is a good time to gather your current plan’s notices. Compare specific upcoming-year options when the information is available and permitted to be marketed, then confirm the details before enrolling. Keeping your current plan may be appropriate when it remains available and meets your needs.
This service is free. I am paid by the insurance companies, not by you. Learn more about how I help. The premium is the same whether you enroll through me or on your own.
Do Not Wait Until December
Every year I get calls in the first week of December from people who just realized Open Enrollment is almost over. By then, the process feels rushed and stressful. The best time to start your review is in October, right when the window opens. That gives you plenty of time to compare options and ask questions.
For help reviewing your next steps, call 480-296-5804 or learn about Medicare plan help with Andy in Mesa. We can review the options I offer and the questions to resolve before making a change. You can also compare all available options through Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or Arizona’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program.