Updated for plan year 2026 on 2026-07-25
What can I change during Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
During Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, people can generally change Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for the next plan year. It runs each year from October 15 through December 7.
What to check before you choose
Medicare choices depend on your dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and how much risk you are comfortable carrying during the year.
- Confirm the beneficiary's Medicare effective dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, and coverage goals.
- Separate general education from plan-specific recommendations and document consent before marketing discussions.
- Check current plan-year rules, premiums, formularies, pharmacy pricing, networks, and enrollment-window eligibility.