Medicare 2026 Enrollment Period: Important Deadlines, Updates, and Guidelines

Medicare 2026 Enrollment Period: Beginning with the most significant enlisting stage, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is often referred to as the Annual Election Period, which, for the 2026 plan year, starts actually on October 15, 2025, and is available until December 7, 2025. It is practically the “all-access pass” to do the most important alterations as going from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to Medicare Advantage (Part C) or simply dropping, adding, or changing your Part D prescription drug plan. The changes you accomplish at this time will be effective starting from January 1, 2026.

Medicare 2026 Enrollment Period

While preparing for 2026, two significant changes will come as a surprise to the people:

The Part B monthly premium is likely to rise by approximately 11.6% from $185 in 2025 to around $206.50 in 2026. Part B deductible will probably increase as well, by about 11–12%, with the new one being close to $288.

Regarding Part D, the base premium will most likely go up to $38.99, and the deductible is expected to rise to $615. The out-of-pocket limit for catastrophic drug coverage is going to increase as well, to $2,100.

Policies and Forms Will Be Different from January 2026 on

CMS is implementing changes in Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment that will affect the guidance. This also comprises a new enrollment form that does not include optional demographic fields such as race and gender identity applicable to all requests received on or after January 1, 2026.

New Medicare Pilot 2026: Find out which procedures will now require prior authorization

Medicare 2026 Enrollment Period: Early to Mid-Season

By End of September 2025

So what do you think you will be doing right at the end of September? Well, it is actually opening and peering into the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that you will get by that time. The letter notes the important changes of your current plan—just like cost hikes or benefit changes. This is what you should be using to carefully compare the options you have before the enrollment period opens.

During AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2025)

It is basically your time to do the first act and show it to the world! Get a thorough understanding of your current plan, check the part where it is still matching your needs and budget, sketch the alternatives you have. You will be allowed to make changes to your plan that will take effect from January 1, 2026.

The Early 2026 Enrollment Windows

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

If by January 1, 2026 you are already a Medicare Advantage plan member, you will be allowed a single-time opportunity from January 1 to March 31, 2026 to change to a different Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare (with the option to add Part D).

General Enrollment Period (for Parts A & B)

In case you forgot to sign up for Part A and/or Part B initially, you will be allowed to enroll between January 1 and March 31, 2026. The following month your coverage will start however, keep in mind that late enrollment penalties may be applicable.

Medicare 2026 Enrollment Period: Tips

1. Compare your current plan

Rather than just re-enrolling in your current plan, check what other plans are available with what benefits and costs that suit your needs. Provider networks, formularies, and prices usually change. Finding an alternative plan can give you more for less.

2. Evaluate drug coverage carefully

If you are on medications, make sure that they are still part of the coverage or find a plan that offers the same medications at a lower price.

3. Budget for rising costs

Be prepared for the numbers on your bill to increase in 2026. It is more important than ever to choose wisely or seek help like Extra Help that could make the costs more manageable if you are eligible since higher Part B and Part D costs are coming.

4. Track your income for IRMAA purposes

Beneficiaries who are in a higher-income bracket have to pay more (IRMAA). Think ahead on tax planning. For example, Roth conversions or making donations to charities can lessen the blow of a possible surcharge in the future.

5. Seek help when needed

The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), the licensed brokers, or agents that you know and trust are available to help you make sense of the confusing things and not to fall into errors.

If you are thinking about it now then let me tell you that Medicare enrollment for 2026 will be opensoon-on October 15, 2025. The good news is that we have the experts and the time to check the options, review what we really need, and get the best out of it. With a little forethought and a well-planned schedule, you will start 2026 confidently with a plan that is good for you and your wallet.