Enrolling in Medicare

When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026?

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year, including for the 2026 plan year, with changes taking effect January 1. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you also get the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 to switch once.

Reviewed by Scott Stafford, Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated June 21, 2026

Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7

This is the big one. During these dates you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, and join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan. Whatever you choose takes effect January 1. Because plan benefits, drug lists, and prices change every year, it's worth reviewing your coverage during this window even if you're happy with it.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, you get one more chance early in the year to switch to a different Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan). You can use it once.

Outside these windows, changes generally require a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a life event such as moving or losing other coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies don't follow this calendar — you can apply any time, though medical underwriting may apply depending on your timing and state.

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