Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: A quick checkup for your coverage

If you’re on Medicare, fall brings more than cooler weather.

Yes, it’s that time again for Medicare Open Enrollment, which can feel like homework no one looks forward to. Between the mail, the advertisements and all the different plan options, it’s easy to wonder whether you should be making changes.

Taking a few minutes to review your coverage can help you feel more confident about the year ahead.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026. During this time, you can review your Medicare coverage and make changes if your needs are different than last year.

The good news? Depending on the coverage you have, you may not need to make changes at all.

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, your coverage stays the same.

Unlike some health plans, Medicare Supplement plans don’t change their benefits each year. The coverage you chose is the coverage you’ll continue to have.

So, if you’re happy with your Medicare Supplement plan, you can confidently stay the course. You don’t need to shop for a new Medicare Supplement plan just because it’s Open Enrollment season.

Be sure to review your Part D prescription drug plan.

Part D prescription drug plans can change from year to year.

Premiums, deductibles, copays, covered medications and pharmacy networks may all change. Even if your prescriptions haven’t changed, it’s worth taking a few minutes during Open Enrollment to review your options and make sure your current plan still meets your needs.

Here are some tips for reviewing your Part D coverage.

Plans change from year to year, but so can your needs. It’s essential to review your prescriptions to ensure you have the best Part D coverage for your lifestyle and budget.

When comparing Part D plans, there are many things to keep in mind . Here are just a few:

• 🔍 Check if your prescriptions are covered by the plan’s formulary (the plan’s list of covered drugs).

• 💡 Understand the plan’s tier system for different drug costs. (Medicare drug coverage typically places drugs into different levels, called “tiers,” on their formularies. Drugs in each tier have a different cost — drugs in a lower tier will generally cost you less than a drug in a higher tier.)

• 🚫 Look for any coverage restrictions like prior authorization or step therapy.

• 💲 Compare monthly premiums, deductibles and copayments for each prescription.

• 💊 Verify if your preferred pharmacy is in the plan’s network.

• ✉️ Check if the plan allows prescriptions by mail-order.

Taking these steps during Open Enrollment can help you make informed decisions and find the best prescription drug coverage tailored to your needs.