Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 has begun and will run from October 15 to December 7, 2025. During this time, Medicare participants can review and make changes to their Medicare plans, helping ensure they have the right coverage for the year ahead. To prepare for the upcoming enrollment period, below are a few notable changes and key dates to Medicare for 2026. For additional information on the below, visit Medicare.gov.
Notable Changes in Medicare for 2026
- Lower drug prices: As a continuation of the SECURE 2.0 legislation, Medicare will negotiate lower prices for 10 high-cost prescription drugs with lower rates beginning on January 1, 2026. The negotiated prices will be available for participants on Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans.
- Automatic enrollment in Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP): All participants with Part D Coverage will be automatically enrolled in MPPP, which helps spread prescription costs evenly throughout the year with the goal of helping participants better manage medication expenses. Participants can elect to opt-out of this program by reaching out to their plan sponsor.
- Out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs: In 2026, the out-of-pocket cap for Part D will be set at $2,100 ($2,000 in 2025). Once participants have reached this threshold, they will no longer need to pay copays or coinsurance for covered drugs for the remainder of the year.
- Increased premiums and deductibles: As is often the case, Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles are expected to increase. In 2026, expected Part B premiums will increase from $185 to $206.50 per month. While exact figures are pending final confirmation, it’s essential to check the updated costs as you plan your coverage.
Key Dates and Actions for Open Enrollment
Early October
- Review your current coverage: Take the time to assess your current plan’s benefits, costs, and provider networks. Compare it with the new options available for 2026 to ensure you are getting the best coverage for your needs, including:
- Evaluate your current prescription drug plan: Review your plan to make sure it covers your medications at a cost you can manage.
- Check your provider networks: Verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are still in-network for 2026.
October 15 to December 7, 2025
- Change or confirm your current Medicare health or drug coverage for 2026: You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Drug Plan, or switch to Original Medicare during this open enrollment period each year.
JANUARY 1, 2026
- New coverage begins: Whether you made a change or kept your existing coverage, your new plan’s costs and benefits start on this date.
January 1 to March 31, 2026
- Opportunity to make changes to a Medicare Advantage Plan: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare Drug Plan) once during this time period. Any changes you make will be effective the first day of the month after the plan confirms your request.
Medicare open enrollment is your chance to make sure your healthcare coverage aligns with your needs and budget. We recommend working to make any changes to your Medicare coverage well in advance of the December deadline. The earlier you call, the less time you could spend on hold. To make changes, you can either log in to your account through Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
We partner with several professionals who specialize in navigating Medicare options. To learn more, please contact your JNBA Advisory Team or visit Medicare.gov for additional information.
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