Guide to 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment: What Is Open Enrollment, Key Dates & What To Know Before You Enroll

Medicare Open Enrollment, also known as the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), is coming up. If you’re not sure what it is (or whether you need to do anything), you’re not alone. Each fall , beneficiaries have the opportunity to review and update their Medicare coverage for the following year. However, many skip it; only to find out later that their plan costs more or covers less than they expected .

This year, the Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, it’s your once-a-year opportunity to make sure your Medicare plan still fits your health needs, prescriptions, and budget .

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare AEP for 2025: what you can do, what’s changing, and how to make confident, informed decisions about your health coverage.

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What Is Medicare AEP (Annual Enrollment Period)? The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a yearly window when people with Medicare can make changes to their coverage for the upcoming year; in this case, 2026. It’s designed to help you keep your plan up to date as your health needs and provider options evolve.

During the Medicare AEP, you can:

Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage ( Part C ) plan, or vice versa. Original Medicare is a government-run program, while Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers and bundles Parts A, B, and often D, plus usually includes extra benefits. Change your Medicare Advantage plan if your health needs or plan coverage has changed. It is recommended you use a tool like Healthpilot to find one that better fits your needs and budget. Add , drop , or switch your Medicare Part D (prescription drug) coverage. Return to Original Medicare and apply for a Medigap (Supplement) policy to help cover out-of-pocket costs. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s highly recommended that you review it each fall during AEP. Medicare plans can change, as can your healthcare needs. This opportunity to review your coverage is especially relevant in 2025, with sweeping plan coverage changes and Service Area Reductions (SARs). This means many Medicare Advantage plans will no longer be offered in certain counties or regions for 2026.

If your current plan is affected, you may:

Lose access to your current plan because it’s no longer available in your area, or Be automatically moved (“mapped”) into a new plan that may not include your doctors, cover your prescriptions, or fit your healthcare needs. Millions of seniors across the country are expected to be affected by these changes, making it especially important to review your coverage this Annual Enrollment Period.

Whether your needs are changing or not, why not explore and see how much you can save by switching Medicare plans?

Medicare AEP vs. OEP: What Is the Difference? Though Medicare AEP is often referred to as Open Enrollment (because it applies to all Medicare beneficiaries), there is also an official Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) . This period applies only to Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and runs from January 1-March 31 each year.

OEP applies only to people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan . During OEP, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D drug plan if needed).

In short: AEP is for everyone. OEP is just for Medicare Advantage members. The AEP is often referred to as Open Enrollment, not to be confused with OEP .

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What Are The Official Medicare AEP 2025 Dates?

In 2025, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th to December 7th . Let’s take a closer look at what each of these dates means for you:

October 15 : The window to review and update your plan begins. December 7 : The AEP window closes; this is the last day to make any changes. January 1, 2026 : Plan changes made during the AEP will go into effect for beneficiaries.

In total, 2025’s AEP lasts 54 days, giving you plenty of time to sit down, review, and confirm your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year.

💡 Tip : We know this sounds like a lot of time; don’t wait until the last week. Processing delays can happen, so submitting changes early is highly recommended. This also gives you time to be as sure as possible that your new (or current) plan still matches your needs and includes your preferred providers and needed prescriptions.

What Changes Can You Make During Medicare AEP? The Annual Enrollment Period is the perfect time to make adjustments that ensure your plan still works for your lifestyle, budget, and health. We’ve already reviewed these from a high-level view above, but let’s dig a little deeper. During the AEP, you can:

1. Switch Medicare Advantage Plans If you are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) and your plan isn’t meeting your needs (whether it be because of plan coverage changes, your health requirements changed, your budget shifted, or something else), you can take the AEP to switch to another Medicare Part C plan that better fits your healthcare goals.

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place: Healthpilot is a Medicare plan finder tool that exists to help you.

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2. Enroll In Or Change A Part D Prescription Drug Plan Just like provider and coverage needs change, prescription needs and drug formularies change, too. Medicare AEP is your opportunity to shop for a new Part D plan that provides better coverage for the medications you need.

💡 Tip : Be diligent with prescription coverage review. Understand each plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) and check your pharmacy’s pricing before switching.

3. Move Between Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides basic hospital and medical coverage. If you want additional benefits (offered on some Medicare Advantage plans), you can move from Original Medicare to Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage).

Not clear on the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage? Read this article to find out more about what makes each plan unique.

💡 Tip : If you’re switching back to Original Medicare, you may also want to consider adding a Medigap policy for supplemental coverage.

4. Review Spousal Or Partner Coverage If you and your spouse are on different plans, or one of your healthcare needs have changed, the Annual Enrollment Period is also a good time to ensure your combined coverage offers the best overall protection.

Do You Really Need To Review Your Medicare Plan Every Year? Yes, most definitely; and here’s why. Once you are enrolled in Medicare (after your Initial Enrollment Period or IEP ), each fall, your insurance provider sends you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This is a document that outlines all of the updates to your plan’s premiums, deductibles, and benefits for the upcoming year.

This document is incredibly important to review and understand; even small changes can have a big impact on your health coverage (and your wallet). For example, if your prescription drug moves to a different pricing tier or your doctor leaves your plan’s network, you could face unexpected costs. Taking 30 minutes to review your coverage each year ensures your plan continues to match your needs (and could save you hundreds of dollars).

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What’s New For Medicare In 2025? To give you an example of the types of information you should look out for, let’s review some general updates that are happening to Medicare in 2025. Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces updates to Medicare costs and benefits. Here’s what to expect in 2026:

Service area reductions : Some carriers are shrinking their Medicare Advantage plan service areas, meaning certain counties or zip codes may no longer be covered. If this affects you, you’ll need to choose a new plan during AEP to avoid losing coverage. Carriers making large changes to plans and networks : Several major carriers are adjusting their provider networks (such as SARs) or discontinuing specific plans. Reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is crucial to ensure your doctors and prescriptions remain covered. Prescription drug savings : The Inflation Reduction Act (which went into effect in 2022) is continuing to lower out-of-pocket drug costs for many beneficiaries. Expanded insulin caps : The $35 monthly insulin cost limit remains in place for most plans. More drug price negotiations : CMS is negotiating additional prescription prices, which is expected to impact beneficiaries in 2025 and beyond. Updates to costs and coverages are designed to continue keeping Medicare affordable for all; especially for those who are managing chronic conditions or are affected by high prescription costs.

How To Prepare For Medicare AEP 2025 The name of the game is organization; getting documents and information together before AEP can make comparing plans much easier. Here are some tips and best practices for preparing for AEP:

Check to see whether you have received your current plan’s ANOC. If you have received it, review the documentation to see what’s changing next year. If you haven’t received it yet, get in touch with your current provider to check on the status of the ANOC; you can also reach out to a Healthpilot representative for assistance. Have a list of your current providers and prescriptions on hand. Having specific details like this is key to finding compatible plans. Estimate the coming year’s healthcare needs (if you and your spouse are both enrolled in Medicare plans, work on this together to coordinate coverage). Ask yourself things like, “Am I expecting any new treatments, prescriptions, or services?” Use a Medicare plan comparison tool like Healthpilot to see how plans stack up based on your doctors, medications, and location. Don’t wait until the last minute (or even week); enroll early so that your coverage is set and starts smoothly on January 1, 2026. 💡 Tip : Even if your plan seems fine at first glance, it’s worth comparing a few alternatives each year to uncover potential savings or extra benefits.

Make The Most Of Open Enrollment With Healthpilot Navigating Medicare can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

Healthpilot exists to simplify the process of finding, comparing, and enrolling in the right Medicare plan for you.

Why Choose Healthpilot? ✅ Personalized recommendations : Get plan suggestions based on your specific doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

✅ Simple comparisons : Easily see how different Medicare Advantage and Part D plans stack up, giving you a comprehensive view of the healthcare options available to you.

✅ Annual plan reviews : We’re not just a Medicare sign-up tool; we’re a guide for all of your healthcare needs, now and in the future. If you’re already working with Healthpilot, we’ll review your coverage each year to make sure that your plan still meets your needs.

✅ Free to use : Healthpilot is completely free to use. We partner with trusted carriers to provide you exceptional service with unmatched ease; no hidden fees, and absolutely no obligations.

How Does Healthpilot Work? Healthpilot makes finding and enrolling in the right Medicare plan for you simple, transparent, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:

Answer a few quick questions about your health needs, any prescriptions you take or plan on taking, and tell us who your preferred doctors are. Healthpilot will instantly compare plans available in your area. You’ll see your personalized options side by side (including total annual costs, coverage details, and which plans your doctors accept) so you can make an informed choice with confidence. Once you’ve made your choice, you can enroll directly through Healthpilot in just minutes. 👉 Ready to explore your 2025 Medicare options?

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Medicare AEP FAQs What’s the difference between the Medicare AEP and OEP?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15-December 7, 2025. It lets all Medicare enrollees make changes for the next year.

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP), on the other hand, runs January 1-March 31 each year. It only applies to people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan who want to switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan outside of AEP?

It is possible to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan outside of the AEP, such as during OEP or under special circumstances that trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). These special circumstances include things like moving, losing coverage, or experiencing another qualifying life event. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until the next AEP or OEP.

What happens if I miss the Medicare AEP deadline?

If you miss the December 7, 2025 AEP deadline, you generally must wait until the next AEP to make changes (unless you qualify for a SEP, see above). Missing this enrollment window can also mean being locked into a plan that doesn’t fit your needs for another year, which is why we highly recommend reviewing your plan during the AEP.

How do I compare Medicare plans for 2025?

The easiest way is to use an online comparison tool like Healthpilot, which shows plans based on your doctors, prescriptions, and costs. You can also review options directly on Medicare.gov, but we exist to make the process faster, simpler, and more personalized.

What will the Medicare premium be for 2026?

In September of 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2026 Medicare premiums . Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans are expected to decline slightly compared to 2025.

Will my current healthcare providers accept my new plan if I switch during AEP?

This heavily depends on the type of plan you choose and the provider’s network; this is another reason why it’s so highly recommended to review your coverage during AEP.

For example, if you switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are part of that plan’s network to keep seeing them.

This is because although Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally allows you to see any provider that accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans tend to come with more network restrictions. Before finalizing your switch, it’s a good idea to double-check provider networks and confirm with your doctors directly that they accept your new plan.

Tools like Healthpilot make this easy by helping you compare plans side by side, including which doctors and facilities are in-network.

What if I need help deciding how to get my Medicare benefits?

If Medicare feels confusing, you’re not alone; many beneficiaries need help when it comes to reviewing their coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). The good news is this: you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Healthpilot can help you explore all of your options in one place; our tool works by matching you with plans that best fit your medical needs and budget. Just answer a few simple questions about your coverage needs , and Healthpilot’s guided recommendations will show you the most affordable and comprehensive options available in your area.