Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2026: What You Need to Know
October 15 - December 7, 2026: This is THE time to review and change your Medicare coverage for 2027.
Even if you love your current plan, here's why you should review it.
What Is Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
AEP: The window when ALL Medicare beneficiaries can make changes.
Dates: October 15 - December 7 (every year)
Changes effective: January 1, 2027
Also called: Open Enrollment, Fall Enrollment
What You Can Change During AEP
✅ Join a Medicare Advantage plan
✅ Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
✅ Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
✅ Join a Part D prescription drug plan
✅ Switch Part D plans
✅ Drop Part D (not recommended)
What You CANNOT Change During AEP
❌ Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans - Different rules, requires medical underwriting (unless guaranteed issue situation)
For Medigap changes: Work with an agent year-round
Why Review Your Plan EVERY Year
Plans change annually:
Premiums: Your $0 plan might now be $40/month
Formularies: Your medications might not be covered
Networks: Your doctor might have left the plan
Benefits: Dental/vision allowances may have changed
Copays: Office visit costs might have increased
Even if you're happy, verify nothing changed.
What's New for 2027 Medicare
Part B Premium: Announced in October/November
Part A Deductible: Usually increases slightly
Part D Changes: New plans, different formularies
MOOP Limits: Out-of-pocket maximums adjusted
I'll update this section once 2027 costs are announced.
How to Review Your Current Plan
Step 1: Review Your 2027 Plan Changes (September/October)
Your plan mails an "Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC).
Look for:
Premium changes
Benefit changes
Formulary changes
Network changes
Red flags:
Premium doubled
Your medications moved to higher tiers
Your doctor left the network
Benefits reduced
Step 2: Make a List (October)
Write down:
Current medications (with dosages)
Doctors you see regularly
Preferred pharmacy
How often you visit doctors
What you like/dislike about current plan
Step 3: Compare Plans (October-November)
Use Medicare.gov Plan Finder:
Enter zip code: 92592
Enter medications
Select preferred pharmacy
Compare total annual costs
Or: Schedule a consultation with me to compare plans together.
Step 4: Make Your Decision (By December 7)
Staying with current plan: No action needed (auto-renews)
Switching plans: Enroll in new plan by December 7
Coverage starts: January 1, 2027
Common AEP Scenarios
Scenario 1: Your Plan Looks Good
ANOC shows:
Small premium increase ($5/month)
All your meds still covered
All your doctors still in network
Benefits stayed same or improved
Action: Stay with your plan (no action needed)
Scenario 2: Significant Changes
ANOC shows:
Premium increased $30/month
Two of your medications moved to Tier 4 (expensive)
Dental allowance reduced
Action: Compare other plans, likely switch
Scenario 3: Your Health Changed
What happened:
You were healthy last year
Now you have new conditions, see specialists
Current $0 HMO plan has high copays
Action: Consider switching to a plan with lower copays or a Medicare Supplement
Scenario 4: Your Medications Changed
What happened:
Started new expensive medication in March
Current Part D plan has it on Tier 5
You've been paying a lot
Action: Find a plan with your new medication on a lower tier
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Bonus Period)
January 1 - March 31: Additional window for MA members only
You can:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
Drop Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare
Add Part D if dropping MA
Use this if: You enrolled during AEP but aren't happy with your choice
Red Flags That Mean "Time to Switch"
🚩 Your premium doubled
🚩 Your main medication is no longer covered
🚩 Your specialist left the network
🚩 You're hitting out-of-pocket max every year
🚩 You found a plan with same coverage for less money
🚩 Your health needs changed significantly
Medicare Supplement During AEP
Medicare Supplements DON'T have an annual enrollment period.
You can apply anytime, but:
Medical underwriting usually required
May be denied due to health conditions
May pay higher rates
Exceptions (Guaranteed Issue Rights):
Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area
You're moving outside plan's service area
You enrolled in MA during your Medigap Open Enrollment and are within 12 months
Your plan violated its contract
Avoiding AEP Mistakes
❌ Assuming your plan hasn't changed
✅ Read your ANOC carefully
❌ Only looking at premium
✅ Calculate total annual cost (premium + copays + prescriptions)
❌ Waiting until December 7
✅ Start comparing in October, decide by mid-November
❌ Not checking if your doctors are still in-network
✅ Call doctor's office or check plan website
❌ Enrolling in multiple plans
✅ You can only have one Medicare Advantage or one Part D plan
AEP Marketing: What to Watch Out For
During AEP, you'll see tons of ads.
Be cautious of:
"Free" offers that require giving personal info
High-pressure sales tactics
Plans with benefits that sound too good to be true
Companies claiming to work "with Medicare" (they don't)
Work with a local, licensed agent you can meet in person.
How to Make Changes
Option 1: Online
Medicare.gov
Insurance company website
Covered California (for some plans)
Option 2: Phone
Call insurance company directly
Call 1-800-MEDICARE
Option 3: Through an Agent (Recommended)
I can handle enrollment for you
Verify all information is correct
Ensure smooth transition
Temecula AEP Resources
Free Medicare counseling (HICAP):
1-800-434-0222
Available during AEP
Local events:
Temecula Library often hosts Medicare workshops
Senior centers offer information sessions
My office:
FREE consultations throughout AEP
No obligation plan reviews
Your AEP Action Plan
September:
[ ] Watch for ANOC in mail
[ ] Read it carefully
[ ] Note any concerning changes
October:
[ ] Make medication and doctor list
[ ] Schedule consultation with me OR
[ ] Use Medicare.gov Plan Finder
[ ] Compare 3-5 plans
November:
[ ] Make final decision
[ ] Enroll in new plan (if switching)
[ ] Confirm enrollment
December:
[ ] Receive new insurance cards
[ ] Update pharmacy with new plan info
How I Help During AEP
I'm VERY busy October-December helping Temecula residents, but I make time for everyone.
When we meet, I'll:
✅ Review your current plan's 2027 changes
✅ Compare all plans available in Temecula
✅ Verify your doctors and medications
✅ Calculate your total costs
✅ Help you enroll if switching
✅ Answer all your questions
FREE consultations during AEP
📞 (951) 840-1099
📧 matt@wieczorekinsure.com
Schedule early - October and November fill up fast!
The Bottom Line
Annual Enrollment Period is important:
Plans change every year
Your health changes
New plans become available
You could save hundreds or thousands
Even if you love your plan, spend 30 minutes reviewing it.
Don't let inertia cost you money.
Matt Wieczorek | Licensed CA Insurance Agent #4335496 | Temecula, CA
October 15 - December 7: Mark your calendar. Let's review your coverage together.
