Your assignment: Review your Medicare Part D coverage for 2026

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Fall is in full swing, and so is Medicare Open Enrollment.

If those three words sound like a homework assignment lined up to ruin a beautiful fall day, we have good news! You’ve already done most of the work, and the small part that remains comes with plenty of help.

First, here are your Medicare Open Enrollment reminders:

What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7, 2025) is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review and, if necessary, modify their health and prescription drug coverage (Part D).

What do I need to do if I’m already enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan?

Nothing!

If you’re happy with your Medicare Supplement coverage, you and your health coverage are set for next year. Unlike other health plans, Medicare Supplement plans aren’t up for annual changes — what you signed up for is what you’ll get.

Then what’s my assignment?

Your assignment is to review your current Part D (prescription drug) coverage, and to compare it to other Part D plans to make sure your 2026 plan coverage meets your 2026 prescription needs.

That’s because Part D plans do change each year. These changes can include modifications to the covered medications, copays and premiums. And, your prescriptions may have changed during the year, too.

How do I compare Part D plans?

As you start to compare 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.

Where can I get help to find the Part D plan that’s best for me in 2026?

There are free resources to help you make a smart choice for your prescription drug coverage. Here are three we recommend.

Medicare

The Medicare Plan Comparison tool helps makes it easy to compare different Part D prescription drug plans based on costs, covered medications, and pharmacies to find the most suitable coverage.

To get started, visit https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/.

Your agent

If you’ve worked with an insurance agent, they’re often able to help you understand your coverage options and walk you through which Part D plan makes sense for you.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

SHIP programs are a free, community-based network throughout the country. Counselors have been screened, trained and certified as Medicare experts. To find your local SHIP location, visit: https://www.shiphelp.org/.

Taking these steps to review your Part D plan during Open Enrollment can help you make informed decisions and find the best prescription drug coverage tailored to your needs. And — get you back to enjoying a beautiful fall day in no time at all.