Medicare details can change.
Enrollment dates, plan availability, benefits, costs, and rules may be updated. Confirm current information at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 every year. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.
What you can review
During this period, people with Medicare can review Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage and make permitted changes for the next calendar year. Plan premiums, drug formularies, pharmacy arrangements, provider networks, benefits, and cost sharing may change.
What to check before changing plans
- Every prescription, dosage, and preferred pharmacy
- Doctors, hospitals, specialists, and other providers
- Total estimated yearly cost, not only the premium
- Prior authorization, referral, and travel rules
- The Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage
Different enrollment periods have different purposes
The October 15–December 7 period is not the same as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period for Parts A and B, or the one-time six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period.