Medicare 2026: How to Change Your Coverage

Current Medicare enrollees can apply to change plans by December 7, 2026. Have your Medicare card and medication list ready. Apply through the official Plan Finder, and coverage starts on January 1, 2027.

This schedule is based on CMS's September 28, 2026 announcement and Medicare enrollment guidance.

How to Apply for a Change on the Official Website

Select a plan in Medicare Plan Finder, then complete the enrollment application. Viewing comparison results alone does not submit an application. If using the website is difficult, you can get enrollment help by phone.

1. Check your current coverage. Determine whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Also check whether prescription drug coverage is included.
2. Prepare the information needed to apply and compare plans. You will need the Medicare number on your card. Also check the Part A and Part B coverage start dates shown on the card.
3. Enter your residential ZIP code in Plan Finder. Make sure the coverage year you are comparing is 2027. Compare costs based on your medications and the pharmacies you use.
4. Click Enroll, the enrollment button for your chosen plan. Follow the instructions to submit your application. If you have employer or union insurance, first check the family coverage section below.
5. Save the application confirmation screen or confirmation number. If you are unsure whether your application was received, contact the plan or Medicare. Also check the coverage start date in your enrollment confirmation.

The official starting point is Find health & drug plans on Medicare.gov. The phone number is 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227. The TTY number for people with hearing or speech disabilities is 1-877-486-2048.

You can find application instructions in Medicare's Joining a plan guidance.

Who Can Make Changes and What to Prepare

This annual enrollment period is for current Medicare enrollees to choose their coverage. It is separate from ACA Marketplace insurance enrollment. It is also distinct from the initial enrollment periods for Part A and Part B themselves.

Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage provides coverage through private plans. Part D is prescription drug coverage.

The table summarizes basic coverage requirements. Individual enrollment requirements, such as citizenship and residency status, also apply. If your eligibility is unclear, check with Medicare or Social Security.

Available Changes Based on Your Current Coverage

What you can change depends on your current coverage. During the annual enrollment period, you can switch how you receive coverage. You can also choose to change only your prescription drug plan.

When changing drug coverage under Advantage, check the plan's rules for combining coverage. Do not assume you can freely add a stand-alone Part D plan to your existing Advantage plan. Before applying, ask whether your chosen coverage combination is allowed.

The available changes are listed in Medicare's Open Enrollment guidance.

Application Deadline and Coverage Start Date

The 2026 annual enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes made during this period take effect on January 1, 2027. Because you are applying in fall 2026, be careful not to confuse the coverage year.

Medicare's Open Enrollment guidance includes the following statement.

the plan must get your enrollment request by December 7

This means the plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7. Mailed applications must also arrive by the deadline. Mailing an application or scheduling a consultation alone does not mean your request has been received.

The deadline follows the U.S. Medicare enrollment schedule. Do not judge when to submit based only on the date in Korea. Check the deadline-day submission hours with the channel you are using.

The schedule for this year is stated in CMS's September 28, 2026 announcement.

Comparing the Notice of Changes and Coverage Document

Review the annual notice of changes and the coverage document together. Even if the premium stays the same, drug coverage or participating providers may change. Compare the terms for 2027, not the current terms.

Annual Notice of Change is the yearly notice of changes. Its abbreviation is ANOC, and it describes what will change the following year. Evidence of Coverage is the document explaining your coverage. Its abbreviation is EOC, and it explains detailed terms, including coverage and costs.

You usually receive the ANOC in September. If you have not received it, request it from your current plan. Also check the separate directories for complete lists of providers and pharmacies.

If your current plan will be offered next year, you generally do not need to enroll again. However, the changed terms must still meet your ongoing needs. If you receive a notice that your plan is ending, do not assume it will continue.

These review principles are explained in CMS's Medicare Open Enrollment guidance.

Returning to Original Medicare and Medigap Requirements

When returning to Original Medicare, check drug coverage and supplemental insurance separately. You may need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. Medigap is private insurance that helps cover out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare.

The fall annual enrollment period does not automatically guarantee Medigap enrollment. Under federal rules, the initial Medigap enrollment period lasts 6 months. It begins on the first day of the month in which you are at least 65 years old and enrolled in Part B.

After that period, your enrollment options may be limited. Premiums may also be higher. Check whether you have guaranteed issue rights or additional protections under state rules.

Also watch for periods without drug coverage. You may have a gap of at least 63 consecutive days without other creditable drug coverage. In that case, you may face a late enrollment penalty when you enroll in Part D later.

Check your individual enrollment options in Medicare's guidance on when to buy Medigap.

Checking Employer Insurance and Family Coverage

If you have employer or union insurance, check with your benefits administrator before applying for Part D. Medicare warns that enrolling could cause you to lose all of your existing health insurance. Coverage for your spouse and dependents, as well as your own, may be affected.

Ask whether your current prescription drug insurance is creditable coverage. This means prescription drug coverage that meets Medicare's standards. If you keep that coverage, you generally do not need to add Part D.

1. Ask your employer or union benefits administrator whether your existing coverage is creditable.
2. Check how enrolling in Part D would affect your family's medical and drug coverage.
3. Keep proof that you had previous drug coverage.
4. If your new plan sends you a form to confirm past coverage, respond by the deadline.

Medicare warns that failing to return the form could result in a penalty. Check mail that arrives after enrollment as well. The relevant rules are listed in Medicare's guidance on creditable prescription drug coverage.

Changes Available If You Miss the Deadline

After December 7, you must check the requirements for other enrollment periods. January through March is not an additional change period open to all enrollees. Moving or losing other coverage may qualify you for special enrollment.

Advantage changes from January through March are allowed once during that period. If you return to Original Medicare, you can also enroll in Part D. This period cannot be used to switch from Original Medicare to Advantage.

It also cannot be used by Original Medicare enrollees to change only their Part D plan. During a Special Enrollment Period, the available changes and deadlines vary by reason. If you receive a notice that your plan is ending, also check the separate rights described in the notice.

The restrictions for each period are summarized in Medicare's enrollment periods guide.