Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Dates, Premium Changes, and What to Do
Medicare open enrollment for 2026 runs October 15–December 7, 2025. Premiums drop, drug cap hits $2,100, and vaccines are free. What to know.
Medicare's annual open enrollment period for 2026 runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025. Any plan changes take effect January 1, 2026. During this window, beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or update prescription drug (Part D) coverage.
Average Medicare Advantage premiums will drop by $2.40 to about $14 per month for 2026, and average standalone Part D premiums will fall by $3.81 to about $34.50 per month, according to federal figures. The out-of-pocket cap for Part D will be $2,100 in 2026. Adult vaccines covered under Part D will be available with no deductible or copay.
What You Can Do During Open Enrollment
From October 15 to December 7, 2025, beneficiaries can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or the reverse, choose a different Medicare Advantage plan, or join or change a Part D plan. Medicare Advantage and Part D plan benefits and networks change from year to year, so comparing options is important even for those who are satisfied with their current plan.
Key Changes for 2026
Besides lower average premiums and the $2,100 drug cap, some Medicare Advantage plans are being discontinued. Affected enrollees receive notices and must pick a new plan during open enrollment or be moved to a default option. Over 99% of Medicare beneficiaries will still have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan in their area. Experts recommend reviewing plan documents for benefits and restrictions, as some plans may offer less robust coverage despite lower premiums.
How to Prepare
Medicare sends the "Medicare & You" handbook each fall. Plan finder tools on Medicare.gov allow comparison of premiums, deductibles, and drug formularies. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer free, unbiased help. Enrollees should confirm their doctors and drugs are still covered and check maximum out-of-pocket costs.
What to Watch in 2026
Open enrollment for 2027 will run October 15–December 7, 2026. Policy changes affecting Medicare Advantage and Part D are often debated in Congress, so eligibility rules and benefits can shift in future years.
Tags
Sources
Related Articles
ChatGPT Health: How 40 Million People Use AI for Healthcare Questions
OpenAI says 40 million people use ChatGPT for health-related queries. ChatGPT Health can use medical records. Here's what that means and the risks.
Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro: How the Weight-Loss Drugs Compare in 2025
Ozempic and Wegovy use semaglutide; Mounjaro uses tirzepatide. In head-to-head trials, tirzepatide led to greater weight loss. Here's the comparison and what to discuss with your doctor.
M&M's Recall Hits 20 States Over Missing Allergen Warnings
Beacon Promotions Inc. recalls repackaged M&M's in 20 states. Packages lack required allergen labels for milk, soy, and peanuts; FDA classifies the recall as Class II.