Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2026: What You Can Change for 2027
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. During it you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Medicare enrollment periods at a glance
| Period | Dates | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period | October 15 – December 7, 2026 | Everyone with Medicare |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31, 2027 | Current Medicare Advantage members (one switch) |
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months around your 65th birthday | People new to Medicare |
What you can change during AEP
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or back
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
What to review before December 7
- Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Your plan sends it each fall with next year’s premiums, copays and coverage.
- Your doctors and hospitals. Make sure they are still in network.
- Your prescriptions. Check each drug on the plan’s 2027 formulary and its tier.
- Total yearly cost: premiums plus expected copays, not only the monthly premium.
- Extra benefits such as dental, vision and hearing, if they matter to you.
Medigap is different
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are not tied to the Annual Enrollment Period. Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and certain guaranteed-issue situations, insurers in Florida can ask health questions before approving a new Medigap policy. See Medigap vs Medicare Advantage for a full comparison.
Get help from a licensed agent
We compare plans from multiple carriers for you and support you in English and Spanish. ExploreMedicare plans or call us.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Joining a plan: when you can join
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Plan Finder
- Kiplinger — 2027 Medicare open enrollment guide
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Plan availability, dates and costs can change; confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source.