Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: How to Change Plans

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.

1. Check your current coverage type. Determine whether you have Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare.
2. 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.
3. Search Plan Finder for 2027 plans in your area. Enter all your medications to compare estimated annual costs.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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Confirm that your Medicare plan change request is received by December 7, 2026.AI-generated image

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. Check your current plan's 2027 drug costs.
2. Compare other plans using the same medication information.
3. Compare your current pharmacy with other available pharmacies.
4. 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.

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.

1. Check whether your existing insurance will continue if you join a new plan.
2. Ask whether your spouse's and dependents' coverage will also be affected.
3. Check whether your existing prescription drug coverage is comparable to Part D.
4. 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.

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.

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.