September 13th 2022
By Ari Parker
The 2026 Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period
Read this guide to understand the ins and outs of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
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September 13th 2022
By Ari Parker
Read this guide to understand the ins and outs of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
As fall approaches, many Americans are excited for football, apple picking, and, best of all, the end of mosquito season. While most of us prepare for holidays and family gatherings, the team at Chapter has something else on its mind: how to help as many people as possible review their plans and choose the best one for their needs during Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
So, as you shop around for a pumpkin pie that looks homemade (we hear Costco does it right!) and the perfect gifts for family, we’re here to help you shop around for Medicare plans. We’ve done our homework to make your Annual Plan Review quick and easy—so you can get back to fun, food, and festivities, knowing you’re on the right healthcare plan for 2027.
This guide is intended to help you understand the ins and outs of the annual Open Enrollment Period, but if you’d prefer to speak with someone about your Medicare options, give us a call any time at (855) 900-2427. We’re always here for you with the best Medicare advice and support out there.
The Medicare annual Open Enrollment Period occurs from October 15th to December 7th of every year.
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage.
You can prepare for your Annual Plan Review with a Chapter Medicare Advisor by making a note of what you liked and disliked about your current Medicare plan.
If you’re fairly new to Medicare, you may not be familiar with the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Long-time Medicare beneficiaries may have shared stories about never ending phone calls and mail from insurance companies and Medicare advisors galore. The good news is that you can go ahead and throw all that mail into your next fire pit because Chapter is your one-stop-shop for painless and unbiased Medicare advice and support—and we’ve got you covered this OEP.
During the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can:
Switch from a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
If you do this, you may also enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug (Part D) plan and/or a Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement) plan
Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
Change from one Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to another
Add, drop, or change prescription drug (Part D) coverage
We’re here to help you with all of the above and more as we head into the 2026 Open Enrollment Period!
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period lasts from October 15 - December 7 every year. During this time, Chapter Advisors are prepared to provide you with an annual review of your coverage and help you shop around for better options, so you can rest assured that you’re on the best plan based on your unique priorities.
Once you’ve made a selection, we’ll help you submit any necessary paperwork and confirm your enrollment. Your new coverage will go into effect on January 1, 2027—but our help doesn’t stop there! We’ll continue to be there for you with year-round support and guidance to help you understand your plan benefits, find in-network doctors, set up online accounts, and so much more—so you can spend your time how you want.
1. Contact the Chapter Team to schedule a review of your current plan and additional options.
2. Make a list of all of your prescriptions, providers (doctors and pharmacies), and health and financial priorities.
Wise Advice: Save your list of doctors and prescriptions from this year’s Annual Plan Review to make preparing for the Open Enrollment Period easier next year!
3. Make note of anything you’ve loved or disliked about your current coverage.
4. Find and review the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for your current plan, which should arrive by the end of September via mail or email.
5. Write down any questions you have so you remember them during your Annual Plan Review.
I’m currently enrolled in a Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement) plan - can I switch during Open Enrollment?
Technically, you are able to switch or enroll in a Medigap plan at any time. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the six-month period after your Medicare Part B effective date), you’ll likely have to undergo medical underwriting to apply for a Medigap plan. This means the insurance company can ask questions about your health and weight history to determine if they want to insure you, and it’s possible your application for a Medigap policy won’t be accepted.
Can I switch my plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period?
If you’re currently enrolled in Original Medicare, a Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, then the Open Enrollment Period is your time to review and switch plans.
If you don’t want to switch plans at this time, we still recommend reviewing your plan to avoid surprises caused by annual plan changes (each year, changes to plans can include the removal of coverage for specific doctors and prescriptions).
If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you are able to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare drug plan) once during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31). This period helps protect consumers who may be dissatisfied with the plan they chose in the fall.
Your health coverage is our priority, and we want to ensure you’re on the right healthcare plan heading into the New Year! Contact the Chapter Team at 855-900-2427 or schedule a time to chat to review your plan and get your Medicare questions answered.
Aside from the annual Open Enrollment Period, there are other important Medicare deadlines and periods to understand. Take a look below to learn more about each one of them.
