Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 Is Almost Here

The 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and make changes that will take effect on January 1, 2026.

This is your annual opportunity to:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa
• Change Medicare Advantage plans
• Modify your prescription drug (Part D) coverage

Because plans and costs can change every year, reviewing your options now can help you avoid surprises and save money.

Key Things to Consider Before You Enroll

1. Costs

Even small cost changes can add up over time. Look at the entire picture, not just your monthly premium. Compare the total cost of your plan, including premiums, deductibles, and copays, to see the real impact on your budget

Here are the 2026 cost updates:

• Part B premium: $206.50 per month (up from $185 in 2025)
• Part B deductible: $288 per year (up from $257 in 2025)
• Part D prescription drug out-of-pocket maximum: $2,100 per year (up from $2,000 in 2025)

2. Coverage

• Check that your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are still in your plan’s network
• Review your medication list to see if any drugs have moved to different pricing tiers or have higher copays
• If you are considering Medicare Advantage, review network size and referral requirements

3. Quality Ratings

Medicare assigns star ratings from 1 to 5 stars based on quality and patient satisfaction. Plans with higher ratings often mean better care and fewer unexpected surprises.

4. Extra Benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional services such as:

• Dental and vision care
• Hearing aids
• Fitness or wellness programs

However, these plans can have more restrictions on provider choice and may be harder to leave later. Out-of-pocket costs can still add up if your health needs change.

Expert Advice

Lynn Haney and Cindy Mobley, Licensed Insurance Agents and Medicare Educators with Humana, recommend:

1. Have your plan reviewed each year by a licensed agent
2. Watch for changes, since plans adjust annually and missing updates can be costly
3. Confirm your doctors and prescriptions to make sure they are still covered

Do Not Wait — Review Now

Hurley Elder Care Law recommends taking time during open enrollment to evaluate these factors and choose the best plan for your needs in 2026.

Call us today at 404-843-0121 with your elder law questions. This is also a great time to schedule a meeting with our experienced legal team to:

• Review your long-term care plans
• Update your estate planning documents
• Ensure your future healthcare wishes are in place

Georgia’s leading elder law firm has offices in Atlanta, Duluth, Peachtree City, and Woodstock. Virtual appointments are also available for your convenience.