Record your care priorities
List doctors, hospitals, prescriptions and doses, and your preferred pharmacies. Include travel and any planned treatment. Use this list to review the exact plan for the coming year.
Know the fall window
Medicare Open Enrollment, also called the Annual Election Period, runs October 15–December 7. Eligible changes generally take effect January 1 of the following year. For fall 2026, that means January 1, 2027. Other enrollment windows have different rules.
Read the changes
Review the Annual Notice of Change and plan documents for networks, medicines, cost sharing and benefits. Do not judge a plan solely by its premium or an extra benefit in an advertisement.
Confirm before switching
Check eligibility, the enrollment period and effective date. Returning to Original Medicare may also require separate drug coverage and review of any Medigap rights.