Don't miss what could be your last opportunity to elect new Medicare coverage for 2026.The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period in the fall (running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 of each year) usually gets all the attention. It's often the only time you can change your Medicare coverage for the following year. But there are a few exceptions.For example, if you're already on a Medicare Advantage plan, you are eligible for a special Open Enrollment Period that's happening right now. Here are three things you need ...

Core Insights - The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for Medicare plans in 2026 is expected to show significant changes, including higher premiums and deductibles, as well as potential reductions in coverage and benefits due to turmoil among health insurers and rising Medicare costs [2][3][4] Medicare Part D Plans - Medicare Part D plans will be required to cover ten specific prescription medications under a new drug-price negotiation program, with expected discounts ranging from 38% to 79% off list prices [12] - The maximum deductible for Part D plans will be $615 in 2026, with nearly all plans expected to have a deductible, compared to 85% of standalone plans and 60% of Medicare Advantage drug plans having deductibles in 2025 [13][14] - The average monthly premium for standalone Part D plans was $39 in 2025, with many Medicare Advantage plans offering $0 premiums [14] - Changes in coverage may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries, especially if they switch to plans with deductibles [14][15] Medicare Advantage Plans - Medicare Advantage plans are likely to reduce or eliminate supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage due to financial pressures on insurers [16][17] - There is an anticipated shift from PPO (preferred provider organization) plans to HMO (health-maintenance organization) plans, which may limit access to out-of-network doctors [17][18] - Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to rise by about 5% from an average of $17 per month in 2025, although many plans still offer $0 premiums [19] Enrollment and Assistance - The open enrollment period for Medicare plans runs from October 15 to December 7, during which beneficiaries can switch plans [2][20] - Various resources are available for beneficiaries seeking assistance with plan comparisons, including the Medicare Plan Finder and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) [22][23] - It is advised not to wait until the last minute to seek help, as demand for assistance is expected to be high due to the significant changes in plans [26]