Medicare
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: How to Compare Plans and Save
By the ForLowerBills team
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes you make take effect January 1, 2027. Plans can change their costs and drug lists every year, so we think it's worth a fresh look even if you're happy with your plan. Here's how to do it, step by step.
Key dates and what you can change
October 15 to December 7, 2026: Medicare's Open Enrollment Period. If your new plan gets your request by December 7, your coverage starts January 1, 2027.
During Open Enrollment, Medicare says you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and join, switch or drop a Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you have Original Medicare. Source: Medicare.gov: Joining a plan (opens in a new tab).
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare also has a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.
Compare plans on Medicare's Plan Finder
- Go to the official Medicare Plan Finder (opens in a new tab) at Medicare.gov. It's free and shows the plans available where you live.
- Add every prescription drug you take regularly, with the dose. Medicare says this gives the most accurate monthly and yearly cost estimate for each plan.
- Pick the pharmacies you actually use, since prices can differ by pharmacy.
- Check whether your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in the plan's network.
- Look at the whole cost, not just the premium: deductibles, copays and the estimated yearly total.
- If you live in another state for part of the year, check whether the plan covers you there.
- You can enroll through the Plan Finder, by contacting the plan, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Check your Part D drug costs
Your plan should have mailed you an "Annual Notice of Change" in the fall listing what changes next year. Read it, then run your drug list through the Plan Finder for 2027 plans. A plan that was cheapest this year may not be next year.
Ask your doctor whether a generic or lower-cost drug is right for you, and compare mail-order prices. These are both steps Medicare suggests on its help with drug costs page (opens in a new tab).
Extra Help with drug costs
Extra Help is a Medicare program for people with limited income and resources. It helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. You get it automatically if you have full Medicaid, get help from a Medicare Savings Program, or get SSI. Otherwise you can apply.
Medicare.gov lists 2026 limits of $23,940 in income and $18,090 in resources for an individual, and $32,460 and $36,100 for a married couple (limits differ in Alaska and Hawaii). For 2027, Medicare says people with Extra Help pay a $0 plan premium and $0 deductible at participating pharmacies, up to $5.80 per generic and $14.40 per brand-name drug, and $0 once total drug costs reach $2,400.
If you have Extra Help or Medicaid, Medicare says you may be able to change drug coverage once a month, not just during Open Enrollment. Source: Medicare.gov: Help with drug costs (opens in a new tab).
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are run by your state. They can help pay Part A and Part B premiums, and some also cover deductibles, coinsurance and copays. There are four: QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI, you also get Extra Help.
Federal 2026 monthly income limits for an individual are $1,350 (QMB), $1,616 (SLMB) and $1,816 (QI), with a $9,950 resource limit. Many states count income differently, so Medicare says to apply even if you think you're over. Contact your state Medicaid office to apply. Source: Medicare.gov: Medicare Savings Programs (opens in a new tab).
Get free, unbiased help from SHIP
Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that offers free one-on-one Medicare counseling. Medicare notes SHIPs aren't connected to any insurance company or plan. Find yours at shiphelp.org (opens in a new tab) or call the SHIP national center at 877-839-2675. A SHIP counselor can also help you apply for Extra Help.
Avoid Medicare scam calls
- Medicare says it will never call you to sell you anything or visit your home.
- Don't give your Medicare Number or Social Security Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it, like your SHIP counselor or your plan.
- Don't join a plan over the phone unless you made the call and asked for help.
- Hang up on callers offering "free" gifts, money or a "new card" in exchange for your number.
- Report suspected fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). See Medicare.gov: Reporting fraud (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage?
October 15 to December 7, 2026. If your new plan gets your request by December 7, coverage starts January 1, 2027.
Do I have to do anything if I'm happy with my plan?
No. If you do nothing, you generally stay in your current plan. But costs and covered drugs can change each year, so it's worth checking your Annual Notice of Change and comparing.
Is the Medicare Plan Finder free?
Yes. It's on Medicare.gov, and SHIP counseling is also free.
Will Medicare call me about my plan?
Medicare says it will never call to sell you anything. It only calls in limited situations, such as returning your call.
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— the ForLowerBills team
General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
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