Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2026: What Changes Every October 15th

Meta Description: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2026 runs Oct. 15–Dec. 7. Learn what you can change, common costly mistakes, and why an independent broker beats 1-800-MEDICARE.

Every year, on October 15th, a window opens that most Medicare beneficiaries either ignore, rush through, or handle completely wrong. It’s called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — and the decisions you make during these 54 days can affect your healthcare costs, your prescription coverage, and your access to doctors for the entire next year.

The 2026 AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025, with all changes taking effect January 1, 2026. If you’re on Medicare — or will be soon — here’s everything you need to know to make the right moves.

What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The AEP is the one time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug) coverage. Outside of this window, you generally cannot switch plans unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Think of it like open enrollment at work — except the stakes are higher, the options are more confusing, and the consequences of doing nothing can be expensive.

What you CAN do during AEP:

Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different one
Switch from one Part D drug plan to another
Join a Part D plan if you didn’t have one before
Drop a Part D plan entirely (though this is rarely advisable)

What you CANNOT do during AEP:

Change your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without medical underwriting in most states
Enroll in Medicare for the first time (that’s handled through your Initial Enrollment Period)
Make changes that take effect before January 1st

Why Every October 15th Matters More Than You Think

Here’s what most people don’t realize: your plan from last year is not the same plan this year. Insurance carriers are permitted to change premiums, deductibles, copays, drug formularies, provider networks, and extra benefits every single year — and they frequently do.

That gym membership your plan included in 2025? It might be gone. That specialist you’ve been seeing? She may no longer be in-network. The prescription that cost you $10 a month? It may have moved to a higher tier.

You won’t get a phone call about these changes. You’ll receive a packet called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail each September — a dense document that most people set aside and never read. That’s a costly mistake.

In 2026, Medicare Advantage plans across the country have continued to adjust benefits and cost-sharing as carriers respond to increased utilization and regulatory changes. If you haven’t reviewed your plan, there’s a real chance you’re paying more than you need to — or getting less than you think.

The 5 Most Common AEP Mistakes

Mistake 1: Doing Nothing Because “It’s Working Fine”

Inertia is the most expensive Medicare mistake. Staying on autopilot means you miss potential premium savings, better drug coverage, or a plan with benefits that better match your current health needs. Plans change. Your health changes. Your review should too.

Mistake 2: Choosing the Lowest Premium Without Checking the Total Cost

A $0 premium plan sounds great — until you realize it comes with a $7,500 out-of-pocket maximum and your preferred cardiologist isn’t in the network. Always evaluate the total cost of coverage, including copays, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket exposure.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Check the Drug Formulary

Your prescriptions need to be checked against each plan’s formulary (the list of covered drugs) every single year. Drug tiers change annually, and a medication that was Tier 2 last year may be Tier 4 this year — meaning dramatically higher out-of-pocket costs.

Mistake 4: Missing the Deadline

December 7th is a hard cutoff. If you miss it, you’re locked into your current plan for the entire next year — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Mark your calendar now.

Mistake 5: Calling 1-800-MEDICARE for Plan Advice

1-800-MEDICARE is a government information line. The representatives there are helpful for explaining what Medicare covers — but they cannot recommend specific plans, compare options side-by-side, or give you personalized guidance based on your doctors, drugs, and budget. For that, you need an independent broker.

Your Step-by-Step AEP Review Guide

Step 1: Pull out your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) This arrives in late September. Review every change to your premium, deductible, copays, and network.

Step 2: Make a list of your current doctors and specialists Verify that each one is still in-network for your current plan — and for any plan you’re considering switching to.

Step 3: List every prescription drug you take Include the drug name, dosage, and how often you take it. This is the single most important variable in evaluating Part D coverage.

Step 4: Compare your total annual costs — not just the premium Add up your monthly premium × 12, plus your estimated copays, deductibles, and drug costs for the year. The plan with the lowest premium is rarely the lowest-cost plan overall.

Step 5: Work with an independent broker who represents multiple carriers An independent broker can compare dozens of plans across multiple insurance companies simultaneously — at no cost to you. They’re compensated by the insurance carrier, not by you, so there’s no conflict of interest.

Why an Independent Broker Beats 1-800-MEDICARE

When you call 1-800-MEDICARE, you get general information. When you call a captive agent (one who works for a single carrier), you get options from that carrier only. When you work with an independent broker like Rodney Cummings, you get:

Access to plans from multiple carriers — not just one
A personalized comparison based on your specific doctors, drugs, and health needs
Ongoing support throughout the year — not just during enrollment
No cost to you — broker compensation comes from the carrier, not your pocket
A licensed professional who is accountable for the advice they give

The difference between the right plan and the wrong plan can easily be $1,000–$3,000 per year in out-of-pocket costs. That’s not a small thing on a fixed income.

Don’t Wait Until December — Start Your Review Now

The AEP window feels long, but it goes fast — especially when you factor in the time it takes to gather your drug list, verify your network, and compare plans properly. The beneficiaries who get the best outcomes are the ones who start early and work with someone who knows the landscape.

Rodney Cummings is a licensed Medicare specialist serving clients in 26 states. Every fall, he helps hundreds of beneficiaries review their Medicare coverage and make confident, informed decisions during AEP.

📅 Book your free AEP review today 📞 Call or text: 503-832-8555 📧 contact@legacywealthservices.com

Reviews are free, no-pressure, and typically take about 30 minutes. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what your plan covers, what it costs, and whether a better option exists.

Rodney Cummings | Legacy Wealth Services | Happy Valley, OR 97086 | OR License #18847712 | Licensed in 26 states. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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