You are currently in the middle of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2026 coverage. Urgent Deadline: You have until December 7, 2025, to make changes to your plan.
Here are the confirmed details, dates, and new costs for 2026 coverage.
1. Key Dates for 2026 Coverage
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October 15 – December 7, 2025 (Current Window): The Annual Election Period (AEP). You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
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January 1, 2026: The date your new coverage begins.
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January 1 – March 31, 2026: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this time.
2. Major Changes for 2026
Several significant financial changes go into effect this year, particularly for prescription drugs.
| Cost / Limit | 2026 Amount | Change from 2025 |
| Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap | $2,100 | Increased (from $2,000). Once you spend this amount on covered drugs, you pay $0 for the rest of the year. |
| Part B Standard Premium | $202.90 / month | Increased (up $17.90 from $185.00). |
| Part B Deductible | $283 / year | Increased (up $26). |
| Part D Max Deductible | $615 / year | Increased (up $25). |
Important Note on “Donut Hole”: The “donut hole” (coverage gap) was officially eliminated in 2025. For 2026, the structure remains simplified: you pay your deductible/copays until you hit the $2,100 cap, after which you pay nothing for covered drugs.
Also Read : medicare.gov/plan-compare 2026
3. What You Should Do Before December 7
Since the deadline is less than two weeks away, you should take these steps immediately:
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Check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): You should have received this by mail in late September. It lists exactly how your specific plan is changing for 2026.
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Verify your prescriptions: Formularies (drug lists) change every year. Ensure your specific medications are still covered and see which “tier” they fall into for 2026.
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Check your doctors: Confirm your preferred doctors and hospitals are still in-network for 2026, especially if you are in a Medicare Advantage (HMO or PPO) plan.
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Watch for Plan Exits: Some insurance carriers have reduced their service areas for 2026. If your plan is being discontinued, you need to pick a new one, or you may be automatically returned to Original Medicare.
4. How to Compare Plans
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Visit Medicare.gov: Use the “Find a Plan” tool to enter your zip code and drugs. It will sort plans by “Total Yearly Cost” (premiums + drug costs).
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Call 1-800-MEDICARE: Available 24/7 for assistance.
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Contact SHIP: The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling.
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