It's Time to Prepare for Medicare Annual Enrollment

Jeremy Proctor • September 16, 2026

Plan Ahead for the Best Results

As we head into fall, it's time to think about an important Medicare milestone: the Annual Enrollment Period. If you're on Medicare, this is your chance to review your coverage and make changes if your needs have shifted, or if there will be changes to your current plan that you don’t like.

 

 

Key Dates for Annual Enrollment in 2026

 

October 1, 2026: Plan details for 2027 go live. You can start comparing Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug (Part D) options in your area, though you can't make changes yet.

 

October 15 – December 7, 2026: Enrollment is officially open. This is when you can:

 

  • Join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan
  • Switch to a different plan
  • Drop coverage or switch back to Original Medicare

 

January 1, 2027: Any changes you made take effect. Make sure you review your new plan documents so you understand your coverage and costs.

 

 

What About Medigap?

 

If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, it works differently. The rules for joining or switching a Medigap plan are more complicated than those for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Reach out to us to discuss your options.

 

 

How to Get Ready Now

 

Between now and October, set aside some time to prepare.

 

  • Gather recent medical bills and receipts
  • Make or update your complete list of current medications and doses
  • List the doctors and hospitals you have used most over the past year
  • Check your current plan's summary of coverage
  • Watch for your Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) from your health insurance company (usually arrives in late September)—this tells you what's changing in your coverage, costs, provider and pharmacy network, and benefits for 2027
  • Schedule a review session with our team starting October 1—slots fill up fast

 

The more organized you are, the easier it will be to make confident choices.

 

 

Let's Plan Ahead

 

Whether you want to stick with what you have or explore new options, we can help you understand your current plan, see what else is available, and make sure your doctors and prescriptions and other benefits are covered. Schedule now to meet with us starting October 1st.

 

If you have questions now about the process and what to expect, reach out anytime. We're here to help make the process as straightforward and successful as possible.

Share this article

Recent Posts

Smartphone showing an unknown caller on a wooden table beside a coffee mug
By Jeremy Proctor September 9, 2026
Medicare scam calls and fake insurance agents are on the rise. Learn the warning signs, how to verify who you're talking to, and what to do if you share information.
Older man riding a red mobility scooter on a park path, with trees and people in the background
August 26, 2026
Thinking about a wheelchair or mobility scooter? Learn what Medicare covers under Part B, what your doctor must document first, and how to avoid a denied claim.
Masked older man receiving care from a masked healthcare worker at home
August 19, 2026
A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan built around conditions like diabetes or heart failure. See how it works.
Worried woman holding her head while reviewing paperwork on her bed
August 12, 2026
Outdated beneficiaries can send your life insurance money to the wrong person. Learn the common risks and how to keep your policy current.
Group of older adults chatting over coffee at a park picnic table in autumn
August 6, 2026
Research on aging and happiness keeps turning up the same surprising pattern. Here's what the science actually shows, and how to apply it at any age.
couple working with insurance agent
By Jeremy Proctor July 24, 2026
Discover why a licensed independent insurance agent provides personalized advice, compares plans, explains coverage, and supports you beyond AI quotes.
Person lying on a gray sectional sofa under a teal blanket in a living room.
By Carlos Duque July 23, 2026
GLP-1 medications help you eat less — but eating less can mean fewer nutrients. Here's what the latest research shows and how to eat well.
senior worried
By Jeremy Proctor July 21, 2026
Protect yourself from Medicare scams, identity theft, fake insurance calls, and fraudulent enrollments. Learn the warning signs and how to keep your Medicare benefits safe.
Smart home devices for safety and security: robot vacuum, speaker, monitor, and emergency button in a house
By Carlos Duque July 15, 2026
See how smart lighting, robot vacuums, stove shut-offs, medication reminders, and fall monitors can help seniors at home, plus what Medicare and Medigap do and do not cover.
Two people reviewing documents at a table, with one using a smartphone in a bright office setting.
By Deania Thorne July 8, 2026
Struggling with Medicare costs? Learn about Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, and other programs that can lower your premiums and drug costs in 2026.
Show More