Annual Open Enrollment · October 15 – December 7
Plain English. Five calm steps. No pressure.
Once a year, everyone with Medicare gets the chance to review their coverage and make changes for the year ahead. Plans change every year — even if you don't. Here's how to use these weeks wisely, calmly, and on your own schedule.
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Your Open Enrollment Path
Read them in order, or jump straight to what you need.
The changes Open Enrollment allows — and doesn't.
The changes that may affect your costs next year.
A simple checklist, starting with your ANOC.
The calendar, and what happens if you do nothing.
When you're ready, compare plans and enroll yourself.
Step 1 What You Can Do
Your Yearly Chance to Change
From October 15 to December 7, anyone with Medicare can make these changes. Whatever you choose starts on January 1.
Move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another — with or without drug coverage.
Join a Medicare Advantage plan if you've had Original Medicare.
Leave Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare, and join a stand-alone drug plan.
Pick up Part D, move to a different Part D plan, or drop it — though dropping it can lead to a late penalty later.
What Open Enrollment isn't for: signing up for Part A or Part B for the first time (that's your Initial or General Enrollment Period), or buying a Medigap policy. Medigap has its own rules — and outside your first window, most states allow health questions. Read the Medigap guide →
Leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare? Line up your Medigap policy before you switch, if you want one. In most states, the Medigap company can ask health questions and may decline you.
Step 2 What's New for 2027
Even If You Love Your Plan, Check It
Medicare's rules and every plan's costs change each year. Here are the biggest changes announced so far for 2027.
A federal program that helped hold down stand-alone drug plan premiums in 2026 isn't continuing in 2027. Check your plan's new premium in your ANOC.
Check your premiumMedicare's negotiated prices expand to 15 more drugs in 2027, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Trelegy Ellipta and Xtandi. What you pay still depends on your plan.
Starts January 1Many areas have fewer stand-alone Part D plans than in past years. If your plan is leaving, your plan will send you a letter — don't ignore it.
Watch your mailDoctors, hospitals and pharmacies can leave networks, and extra benefits like dental or vision can change. Confirm yours for 2027.
Varies by planSources: CMS 2027 Part D and Medicare Advantage parameters; CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Part B premiums and deductibles for 2027 are usually announced in mid-November.
Step 3 Review Your Plan
Start With the Letter in Your Mailbox
If you're in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you should have received your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30. It lists everything changing in your plan for next year — and it's the best place to start.
Then check these for 2027:
Have Original Medicare with Medigap? Your Medigap plan isn't part of Open Enrollment, but your stand-alone Part D drug plan is. Review it the same way — drugs, pharmacy and total yearly cost.
Step 4 Key Dates
Mark Your Calendar
You can make changes as many times as you like during Open Enrollment. The last change you make by December 7 is the one that takes effect.
Your current plan usually renews automatically for 2027 — with its new costs and benefits. That's fine if your plan still fits. If your plan is leaving Medicare, you'll get a letter with your options.
Usually automatic renewalYou'll generally keep your current plan for 2027 unless you have a Special Enrollment Period, or you're in Medicare Advantage and use the January 1 – March 31 window.
Don't wait until the last weekStep 5 Compare & Enroll
When You're Ready — And Only Then
Have your drug list, your doctors and your ANOC handy. Then choose your state to compare the plans we offer and enroll yourself at your own pace — no sales calls.
Want to see every plan in your area? Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also offers free, unbiased help.
Protect yourself this season. Medicare won't call you to sell a plan or ask for your Medicare number. Be wary of unexpected calls, texts or visits promising "new cards" or extra benefits. Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to someone who contacts you first. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.
How it works and how it compares. Medicare Advantage guide →
Drug plans, 2027 costs and the $2,400 cap. Part D guide →
Plan letters and when to buy. Medigap guide →
No pressure · No sales calls · Your choice, your pace
Common Questions
October 15 through December 7 every year. Changes you make during this time take effect on January 1 of the following year.
No. If you're happy with your plan and it's still available, it usually renews automatically. But plans change their costs, drug lists and networks every year, so it's wise to review your coverage.
Yes. You can make changes as many times as you want between October 15 and December 7. The last change you make by December 7 is the one that takes effect January 1.
Open Enrollment doesn't apply to Medigap. You can apply to change Medigap plans at any time, but outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue situation, most states let companies ask health questions. Some states, like New York, have more protective rules.
You'll generally keep your current coverage for the next year. You may still be able to make a change if you have a Special Enrollment Period, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Your Annual Notice of Change. If you're in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan mails it by September 30. It explains every change to your plan's costs and coverage for the coming year.
Still have a question? Just ask.
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Education First. Enrollment Second.