Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: How to Change Plans
Medicare open enrollment applications must be received by the plan by December 7, 2026 (U.S.). Learn about the official Plan Finder application process, prescription drug and provider coverage for 2027, and requirements for switching to Medigap.
- Check your current enrollment type and decide what type of coverage to switch to.
- Have your Medicare number, Part A and Part B start dates, and medication list ready.
- Compare costs, providers, and pharmacies using the 2027 notice of changes and evidence of coverage.
- Apply by selecting Enroll for your chosen plan in the official Plan Finder.
- Confirm that your application is received by December 7, 2026, and that coverage starts on January 1, 2027.
Medicare members have until December 7, 2026 to request changes during annual enrollment. Have your Medicare number and coverage start date ready. Changes requested through the official Plan Finder take effect on January 1, 2027.
The schedule and premium projections are based on CMS's September 28, 2026 announcement.
How to apply through the official Plan Finder
Compare 2027 plans, then select Enroll to apply. Plan Finder is Medicare.gov's official tool for comparing plans and enrolling. Application instructions are available on Medicare.gov's Joining a plan page.
- Check your current coverage type. Determine whether you have Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare.
- Have the number and Part A and Part B start dates from your Medicare card ready. Also write down your medications' names, dosages, and quantities, along with the pharmacies you use.
- Search Plan Finder for 2027 plans in your area. Enter all your medications to compare estimated annual costs.
- Check the provider and pharmacy networks for the plan you want. If you have employer or retiree insurance, first check how a change would affect it.
- Select Enroll for your chosen plan to apply. Keep your submission confirmation and check the coverage start date.
If using the internet is difficult, you can apply through 1-800-MEDICARE. The phone number is 1-800-633-4227. Mailed applications must reach the plan by the deadline.
Is December 7 the mailing deadline or the receipt deadline?
The deadline is based on the date the plan receives your application. The mailing date alone does not determine whether you met the deadline. Medicare.gov's Open Enrollment page states:
the plan must get your enrollment request by December 7
| Item | Fall 2026 annual enrollment schedule |
|---|---|
| Applications open | October 15, 2026 |
| Application receipt deadline | December 7, 2026 |
| New coverage begins | January 1, 2027 |
Plan around the receipt deadline in the United States. If you are helping with the process from Korea, account for the time difference. If the cutoff time is unclear, check with the service you are using to apply.
Conditions for changes by coverage type
The changes you can choose depend on your current coverage type. Original Medicare is basic coverage through Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage provides coverage through private plans. Part D is prescription drug coverage.
| Current coverage | Options during fall annual enrollment | What to check before applying |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage | Switch to another Advantage plan | Provider network and whether prescription drugs are covered |
| Medicare Advantage | Switch to Original Medicare | Whether you need a separate Part D plan and the conditions for Medigap enrollment |
| Original Medicare | Switch to Medicare Advantage | Part A and Part B enrollment and the plan's service area |
| Original Medicare with a separate Part D plan | Change or drop Part D | Drug list, pharmacies, and coverage gaps |
| Original Medicare without a separate Part D plan | Enroll in Part D | Existing drug coverage and the possibility of a late enrollment penalty |
Advantage enrollment requires both Part A and Part B. A separate Part D plan requires enrollment in Part A or Part B. You must live in your chosen plan's service area.
Distinguish fall annual enrollment from initial enrollment in Part A and Part B. If you do not yet have basic coverage, first check your initial enrollment timing. You can find additional enrollment conditions for each plan on the application screen.
What to check in the ANOC and EOC
Use the ANOC to identify changes and the EOC to check the actual coverage terms. ANOC is the Annual Notice of Change, a yearly change notice. EOC is the Evidence of Coverage, a document explaining coverage. CMS recommends reviewing both documents in its annual enrollment guidance.
| Document to review | What to check | Items to note when comparing |
|---|---|---|
| ANOC | Changes in costs and coverage from this year to next year | Premiums, deductibles, and changes in out-of-pocket costs for care and drugs |
| EOC | Coverage scope and conditions for use | Conditions for needed care, tests, and additional benefits |
| Provider directory | Network participation of primary care doctors, specialists, and hospitals | Exact plan name and care locations |
| Prescription drug list | Coverage and tiers for your medications | Drug names, dosages, and restrictions |
| Pharmacy directory | Available pharmacies and cost terms | Estimated costs at your current pharmacy and other pharmacies |
Check each Korean primary care doctor and specialist as well. Even if you can see them now, next year's network may be different. Give the hospital the exact name of the 2027 plan you intend to choose.
If your current plan continues to be offered, you may not need to reapply. Also check whether next year's coverage meets your needs. Keeping the same plan does not mean keeping the same coverage terms.
Comparing 2027 drug costs and premiums
Compare annual costs based on your medications, not just premiums. CMS's average projections differ from individual bills. Check actual amounts against your chosen plan's 2027 terms.
CMS projected the average monthly premium for separate Part D plans. It estimated an increase from $35.09 in 2026 to $36.00 in 2027. This does not mean every member's premium will rise. The source is CMS's 2027 plan announcement.
| Comparison item | Meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Money paid to maintain coverage | Monthly payment for each 2027 plan |
| Deductible | Amount you pay before coverage applies | What it applies to and the amount |
| Copayments and coinsurance | A fixed amount or percentage of costs paid when receiving services | Actual out-of-pocket costs for each medication |
| Drug tier | A level that determines your share of drug costs | Tier changes for the same drug |
| Prior authorization | Plan approval required before coverage | Conditions required by the new plan |
| Step therapy | A requirement to try another drug first | Whether it applies to your current medication |
| Quantity limit | A limit on how much can be dispensed within a set period | How it differs from your prescribed quantity |
Even if a drug is listed, conditions may apply to its use. Drug tiers also affect your share of costs. Check the conditions in the Medicare drug coverage guide and plan documents.
If you continue taking the same medications
Compare next year's plans again even if your medications have not changed. The tier for the same drug or the cost at each pharmacy may change. Enter the same drugs, dosages, and quantities when comparing.
- Check your current plan's 2027 drug costs.
- Compare other plans using the same medication information.
- Compare your current pharmacy with other available pharmacies.
- Check coverage conditions for drugs with different costs.
Switching to Original Medicare and Medigap conditions
Before returning to Original Medicare, check whether you can enroll in Medigap. Medigap is supplemental insurance that helps with out-of-pocket costs under basic coverage. The fall annual enrollment period does not guarantee Medigap enrollment.
The standard initial Medigap enrollment period is 6 months. It starts in the month when you are at least 65 years old and enrolled in Part B. After that, your enrollment options may be limited or premiums may be higher. Check additional state-specific rights in the Medigap enrollment guidance.
| Circumstances when switching | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Advantage includes prescription drug coverage | Whether you need a separate Part D plan after switching |
| Your initial Medigap enrollment period has ended | Guaranteed issue rights and the insurer's underwriting conditions |
| Additional state protections are available | Enrollment and switching rights in your state |
| You have other existing prescription drug insurance | Whether it is recognized as coverage comparable to Part D |
A gap in drug coverage can lead to a late enrollment penalty. This applies if you go at least 63 days without creditable drug coverage after your initial enrollment period. Check exceptions, including eligibility for Extra Help, in the late enrollment penalty guidance.
Checking employer, retiree, and family coverage
If you have employer or retiree insurance, check with its administrator before applying for a new plan. Joining an outside plan may affect your existing insurance. Your family's retiree coverage may also be affected. Medicare.gov explains this in its employer and retiree insurance guidance.
- Check whether your existing insurance will continue if you join a new plan.
- Ask whether your spouse's and dependents' coverage will also be affected.
- Check whether your existing prescription drug coverage is comparable to Part D.
- Proceed with the plan change after confirming the answers.
A lower premium for you does not necessarily mean a better outcome for your family's coverage. Do not judge employer insurance terms from Plan Finder comparisons alone. You must also review the terms provided by your existing insurance administrator.
Comparing the fall and January enrollment periods
The January enrollment period is for people already enrolled in Advantage. It should not be treated as a simple extension of fall annual enrollment. The available changes are distinguished in the Medicare enrollment periods guide.
| Item | Fall annual enrollment period | Advantage enrollment period |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | October 15 to December 7, 2026 | January 1 to March 31, 2027 |
| Eligibility | People who meet enrollment requirements based on their current coverage type | People already enrolled in Advantage |
| Switch between Advantage plans | Allowed | Allowed |
| Switch from Advantage to Original Medicare | Allowed | Allowed, with enrollment in a separate Part D plan also available |
| Switch from Original Medicare to Advantage | Allowed | Not allowed under this period's enrollment rights |
| Change only Part D for an Original Medicare member | Allowed | Not allowed under this period's enrollment rights |
| Effective date of change | January 1, 2027 | First day of the month after the plan receives the application |
| Limit on changes during the January enrollment period | Not applicable | 1 change during the period |
Moving or losing existing coverage may qualify you for a special enrollment period. The changes allowed and application deadlines vary by reason. If you missed the fall deadline, check your circumstances with Medicare.
Common mistakes
Before choosing a plan, check for the misunderstandings below. Application deadlines and coverage conditions are separate issues. You should also read next year's documents before deciding whether coverage will continue automatically.
| Common misunderstanding | Fact to check |
|---|---|
| Mailing the application on December 7 is enough | The plan must receive it by the deadline |
| You can keep seeing your current doctor | You must check the network for that specific 2027 plan |
| If the drug name is on the list, the conditions are unchanged | You must check tiers, prior authorization, and quantity limits |
| Returning to Original Medicare and enrolling in Medigap are one process | Medigap enrollment rights and conditions are separate |
| All members can make changes through March | The January enrollment period is for Advantage members |
| You must reapply every year to keep coverage | Reapplying may not be necessary if the existing plan continues to be offered |
Preparing for free counseling
If comparing plans is difficult, you can use SHIP's free individual counseling. SHIP is a counseling program that is not affiliated with an insurer or plan. Find a counseling service in your state through the SHIP local directory.
- Medicare card and current plan information
- 2027 ANOC and EOC
- Medication names, dosages, and quantities, and the pharmacies you use
- List of primary care doctors, specialists, and hospitals you want to keep using
- Notices about employer or retiree insurance and other prescription drug coverage
If your income and assets are limited, also ask whether you qualify for help with costs. Extra Help is a program that helps with Part D costs. Medicare Savings Programs help with premiums and other costs based on eligibility. Check state-specific criteria with the responsible agency in your state.
FAQ
What is the deadline to request a Medicare plan change during the 2026 annual enrollment period?
The plan must receive your application by December 7, 2026. Do not go by the mailing date.
When do changes requested in the fall take effect?
Changes received during the annual enrollment period and by the deadline take effect on January 1, 2027. Check your enrollment confirmation for the actual coverage start date.
Do I need to reapply to keep my current plan?
If your current plan continues to be offered, you generally do not need to reapply. Check the 2027 costs and coverage terms before keeping it.
What do I need to enroll through Plan Finder?
Have your Medicare number and Part A and Part B coverage start dates ready. Also gather information about your medications and the pharmacies you use to compare costs.
Should I compare Part D plans even if I take the same medications?
Even for the same medications, drug tiers and coverage requirements may change the following year. Compare costs at different pharmacies using the same medications, dosages, and quantities.
If I return to Original Medicare, can I also enroll in Medigap?
The fall annual enrollment period alone does not guarantee that you can enroll in Medigap. Check whether you are in your initial enrollment period or have separate enrollment rights. You can also check for additional protections in your state.
If I only want to change Part D plans, can I wait until March 2027?
Original Medicare enrollees cannot use the Advantage plan change period in January. Unless you have a separate special enrollment period, apply during the fall annual enrollment period.
Can I drop prescription drug coverage if I am not currently taking any medications?
Do not decide based solely on whether you currently take medications. A gap in creditable prescription drug coverage may result in a late enrollment penalty. Check your other coverage or eligibility for Extra Help first.
Can I apply for a new plan even if I have employer or retiree insurance?
Before applying, check with your current insurance administrator about the impact. Enrolling in an outside plan could cause you or your family to lose retiree coverage.
Can I get free counseling without choosing an insurance company?
You can get free one-on-one counseling through SHIP. It is a program that is not affiliated with any insurance company or plan. Contact the counseling service in your state about plan comparisons and eligibility for help with costs.
Sources
- CMS, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2027, September 28, 2026
- Medicare.gov, Open Enrollment
- Medicare.gov, Medicare Plan Finder
- Medicare.gov, Joining a plan
- CMS, Medicare Open Enrollment
- Medicare.gov, When can I buy a Medigap policy?
- Medicare, Understanding Medicare Advantage & Medicare Drug Plan Enrollment Periods
- Medicare, Your Guide to Medicare Drug Coverage
- Medicare.gov, How do drug plans work?
- Medicare.gov, Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Medicare.gov, Working past 65
- SHIP, Get Medicare Help from Your Local SHIP Program
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