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
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.
January 1, 2026: The date your new coverage begins.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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).
Call 1-800-MEDICARE: Available 24/7 for assistance.
Contact SHIP: The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling.
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