October 15–December 7 for next year’s coverage
Medicare Annual Enrollment, also called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs October 15 through December 7 each year. For this fall, the dates are October 15–December 7, 2026. Changes made during this window generally take effect January 1, 2027. The plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7.
For 2027 coverage, eligible beneficiaries can review their options and submit enrollment changes during the October 15–December 7, 2026 Annual Enrollment period. Other enrollment opportunities may apply to individual circumstances. Other enrollment opportunities may apply to your circumstances.
What you can change during Annual Enrollment
Depending on your current coverage and eligibility, you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan; move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage; or join, drop, or switch a stand-alone Part D plan if you use Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage requires both Part A and Part B. A stand-alone drug plan requires Part A or Part B. Fall Annual Enrollment is different from the process for first signing up for Parts A and B.
Returning to Original Medicare does not guarantee Medigap
You may want a separate Part D plan and a Medigap policy when leaving Medicare Advantage. However, fall Annual Enrollment does not automatically guarantee that an insurer will accept your Medigap application. Medical underwriting may apply outside your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period unless guaranteed issue rights or state protections apply.
Confirm the complete coverage arrangement and effective dates before dropping a plan. Ask your employer or retiree benefits administrator before changing coverage that could affect you or your dependents.
Check drug coverage before adding or dropping a plan
Dropping Part D without other creditable prescription coverage can leave you paying for medications and may lead to a late enrollment penalty. Generally, going 63 or more consecutive days without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period can trigger a penalty.
In many Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans, joining a separate Part D plan causes disenrollment from the Advantage plan. Confirm how any change interacts with your current insurance before submitting it.
What to review before you decide
Read your Annual Notice of Change, then check the 2027 provider network, exact prescriptions, pharmacy pricing, premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, care rules, and useful benefits. Compare expected annual costs and a year when you need more care.
You do not have to switch just because Annual Enrollment arrives. Keeping coverage may be appropriate if it remains available and still fits. Verify any renewal notices or action required by your plan.
What if you miss December 7?
Your options depend on your coverage and circumstances. People already in Medicare Advantage generally can make one change during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, January 1–March 31. That period cannot be used by someone in Original Medicare to join Medicare Advantage or change a stand-alone drug plan.
A Special Enrollment Period may apply after events such as moving or losing qualifying coverage. First-time enrollment opportunities may also apply. Check the applicable deadline rather than assuming you must wait until next fall.
Schedule your Medicare coverage review
Bring your current plan information, doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, and questions. We can help you review the plans we offer and understand your next steps.
Sonon Insurance can explain and compare the options we are licensed and appointed to offer. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to get information on all of your options. Sonon Insurance is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the federal government.
Helpful resources
Coverage, eligibility, and plan terms vary by carrier and state. This article is general information, not a promise of coverage or individualized financial advice.
