Medicare’s fall open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027, as long as the plan receives the enrollment request by the deadline.
Depending on your current coverage, the window lets you change Medicare Advantage or drug plans, or change between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. It is not the same as your initial enrollment in Parts A and B.
Build a comparison that reflects your life
Gather your exact medicine names, doses, pharmacies, doctors and current plan documents before comparing options. A low monthly premium is only one entry in the calculation. Look at expected annual costs, access to the providers you use and restrictions that affect your care.
Ask your doctor’s office about the exact plan name and year. Save answers that affect your choice, together with the date and representative’s name.
Do not leave the change unfinished
Keep your enrollment confirmation and verify the effective date. If returning to Original Medicare, investigate separate drug coverage and whether you can obtain the Medigap policy you want; buying Medigap has its own rules.
Medicare.gov’s plan comparison service is the official starting point. Give yourself time to resolve questions before December 7 instead of treating the last day as the day to begin researching.
