Sunday is the last day of Medicare's annual fall enrollment period. It’s that time of year when people on Medicare review their current coverage and decide whether to keep it or switch. Options include switching from Original Medicare (OM) to Medicare Advantage (MA) or vice versa, choosing a new stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, or choosing a different MA plan with or without Part D coverage.
Evaluate coverage options
Because health plans, as well as personal circumstances, change from year to year, annual review opportunities are critical. The Center for Medicare Rights urges people with Medicare to evaluate their options if they haven't already done so, including evaluating how their current coverage will work for them — taking into account any changes that may happen to their MA or Part D plans over the next year — and comparing it to other plans available.
where to start
Choosing coverage can be intimidating and complicated. Medicare Rights offers your Medicare Open Enrollment Guide to help you make a successful decision by detailing the options available to you during open enrollment, the timeline, and questions to ask before enrolling. This resource is available for free through Medicare Interactive, our online education platform.
Original medical insurance enrollee
If you currently have Original Medicare, please inquire Medical insurance and you 2026 Brochure to find out what your coverage will cost next year. All Medicare families should receive this booklet in late September, but you can also download it from Medicare.gov. People who call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can also request a copy. This brochure explains what Original Medicare will cover for the upcoming year.
For those who have OM and Medigap and are considering an MA plan, switching to an MA plan may make it difficult or impossible to re-enroll in Medigap. Check with your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to learn about your state's regulations.
MA and Part D enrollees
If you currently have an MA or Part D plan, you should receive your annual change notice and/or evidence of coverage document, either in hard copy or via email, in late September. These documents outline benefit and coverage rules, costs, prescription and coverage limits, and network changes for the coming year.
For MA plans, make sure your provider is in network and compare costs, coverage, and benefits. It can be helpful to double check with the provider to make sure they accept the plan, or with the plan to make sure they have a contract with the provider.
For a Part D plan, whether stand-alone or part of an MA plan, you should check the formulary to make sure your prescriptions are covered and check to see if your preferred pharmacy is a preferred pharmacy as well as an in-network pharmacy.
Everyone is different, so keep your personal health needs in mind when comparing plans, such as which providers and specialists you see frequently and your most expensive prescription drugs. Even if you're happy with your current coverage, it's a good idea to check to see if there are options in your area that are more affordable, have fewer coverage restrictions, or better suit your needs.
How to sign up for a new plan
The best way to enroll in a new plan is through the Medicare Plan Finder website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Plan Finder can help you compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug costs across plans in your area, taking into account the drugs you take and the pharmacy you use. To confirm program information you read online, call the program directly and always write down everything about the conversation, including the date, the name of the representative you spoke with, and any results.
Enrolling directly through these official Medicare platforms can protect you if you receive incorrect information from a Medicare source or encounter plan issues. In 2026, taking into account changes to plan information on Plan Finder, people who registered directly through the online platform will receive a special registration period if Plan Finder provides incorrect network information.
Where to go for help
- Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides one-on-one, impartial Medicare assistance. There are 54 ships (one for each of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Visit www.shiphelp.org and click the “Find Local Medicare Help” button in the upper right corner to contact your SHIP.
- You can also contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Medicare Rights can provide additional assistance to answer your questions and resolve issues you may have during open enrollment. Please call our national helpline at 800-333-4114 Monday through Friday. The helpline is closed on weekends.
