Medicare Open Enrollment Is 2 Months Away: 5 Key Moves to Make Now to Prepare

As summer winds to a close, it's time to note that Medicare open enrollment is almost upon us.

The annual open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, with any changes going into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. This is the one time each year when you are allowed to make major changes to your coverage.

Medicare is a cornerstone of just about everyone's retirement plan. With that in mind, here is what you should do now to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period.

Changes you are allowed to make during Medicare open enrollment

If you are dissatisfied with your current Medicare coverage or simply want to find a plan that better suits your needs, open enrollment is the time to make key changes.

These include:

• Switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
• Changing Medicare Advantage plans
• Adding, dropping, or switching Part D drug coverage

Open enrollment only rolls around once a year. That means the few short weeks that begin in mid-October are among the most important for those who are on Medicare.

Why you should prepare for Medicare changes now

Medicare constantly changes. Premiums, deductibles, provider networks and drug formularies all shift from year to year.

In addition, some insurers suddenly exit markets or trim their plan offerings. So, even if you are happy with your current coverage, you may not be able to enjoy all of the same types of care and perks going forward.

It's also possible that your health care needs have changed over the past year. That means a plan that suited you coming into 2026 may no longer be appropriate as 2027 dawns.

By preparing for open enrollment now, you avoid being caught off-guard by changes. Here are some key ways to prepare.

Watch for the Medicare Annual Notice of Change

Every fall, you receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D drug plan that explains the key changes being instituted for the following year.

This letter arrives in September and explains any new details regarding costs, coverage, and other aspects of your plan. Read this notice carefully so you have a clear understanding of what is changing.

Review your own health changes

Think about how your health has changed in 2026. Have you been diagnosed with a new illness or condition? Are you taking new medications?

Keeping these shifts in mind helps you decide whether to keep your current coverage or to explore new plans that may be a better fit for you in 2027.

Make a list of your medications and providers

Create a list of all your current prescriptions and preferred providers in anticipation of checking them against any new plans you are considering choosing.

If you decide to keep your current plan, make sure your favorite doctors still participate in it. Also, check to see if every plan you are considering has your medications in its formulary.

Use the official Medicare Plan Finder

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a website that features a Medicare Plan Finder. Use this tool to compare plans on their total costs instead of merely the premium they charge.

To use the plan finder, simply enter your ZIP code and the type of plan you want to research, whether it's a health, drug, or supplement plan.

As you use this tool, keep in mind the 2026 Part B premium ( $202.90 a month) and the Part D out-of-pocket cap.

Seek help from official agents

If you need extra help, only turn to official Medicare or licensed agents. That way, you steer clear of misleading third-party marketing.

Also, keep in mind that the separate Jan. 1 to March 31 Medicare Advantage window should be viewed as a limited backup, not a substitute for using the official open enrollment period that begins in the fall.

During the Jan. 1 to March 31 window, you are allowed only a single change. To use this second open enrollment period, you must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

How to prepare for Medicare open enrollment

Medicare open enrollment begins in less than three months. Fortunately, if you start now, you should have plenty of time to get yourself ready for this pivotal time to make changes.

So, gather documents and review needs now. When enrollment opens Oct. 15, you want the ability to make quick and informed decisions about coverage and avoid being rushed as the Dec. 7 deadline approaches.

Bottom line

Medicare open enrollment is the perfect time to adjust your coverage to suit current needs. You might even discover a new, more affordable plan that helps you keep more of your money.

Although open enrollment remains weeks away, now is the time to prepare to seize the opportunities that this annual event offers.

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