Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. That is 54 days to review your coverage and make changes for 2027. The biggest 2026 change: a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs under Part D.
Done in seconds. No sign-up required.
Every deadline for the 2026 coverage year.
| Period | Dates | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| MA Open Enrollment | Jan 1 - Mar 31, 2026 | Switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare |
| General Enrollment | Jan 1 - Mar 31, 2026 | Late enrollees sign up for Parts A and B; coverage starts July 1 |
| Annual Open Enrollment | Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2026 | Change plans for 2027 coverage; changes take effect Jan 1, 2027 |
The Inflation Reduction Act introduced a $2,000 annual limit on out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare Part D. This replaces the previous coverage gap structure. Once you hit $2,000 in out-of-pocket spending, your plan covers the rest.
The standard monthly premium for Part B in 2026 is $185.00. The Part B annual deductible is $257. Higher earners pay additional IRMAA surcharges based on modified adjusted gross income from two years prior.
Auto-renewing your current plan is the default. It is also the most expensive option for many people. Medicare Advantage plans change their provider networks, copay structures, and drug formularies annually. A medication that was covered last year might move to a higher tier or require prior authorization in 2027.
According to KFF, roughly 70% of Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to a lower-premium plan that offers similar benefits but do not switch (KFF Medicare Advantage Report, 2024). The most common reason: they did not compare during Open Enrollment.
A Medicare enrollment reminder set for early October gives you two weeks before the window opens to start reviewing your Annual Notice of Change letter and comparing alternatives on Medicare.gov.
Or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. This is the only time of year you can make this change (outside of a Special Enrollment Period).
Switch to a different Advantage plan from a different insurer or a different plan type (HMO to PPO, for example).
If you are on Original Medicare, you can change your standalone Part D plan. Dropping Part D coverage without equivalent coverage may trigger a late enrollment penalty later.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this window take effect January 1, 2027. This applies to switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing drug plans, or dropping drug coverage.
The standard Part B premium for 2026 is $185.00 per month, up from $185.00 in 2025. Higher earners pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). The Part B deductible for 2026 is $257.
The most significant change for 2026 is the $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket Part D prescription drug costs, part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This replaces the previous coverage gap ("donut hole"). Part B premiums and deductibles have been updated, and Medicare Advantage plan networks may have changed.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31, 2026. This is separate from the fall Open Enrollment. During this window, people already in Medicare Advantage can switch plans or return to Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan.
No. If you take no action, your current coverage auto-renews. But premiums, copays, formularies, and provider networks change year to year. Reviewing your plan during Open Enrollment takes about 20 minutes and could save hundreds annually. The risk of inaction is paying more for less coverage.
For changes to take effect January 1, 2026, the deadline was December 7, 2025 (the fall 2025 Open Enrollment). For new enrollees who missed their IEP, the General Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31, 2026, but coverage does not start until July 1.
Free. No account. Set a reminder for early October and give yourself lead time before Open Enrollment opens.
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