Medicare open enrollment runs through December 7 for coverage changes starting January 1
U.S. Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their health or drug coverage during the annual enrollment window now underway, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Medicare’s official guidance says changes made during this period take effect January 1, 2027, provided the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7.
News date: 2026-10-21 · Checked: 2026-10-21 (Asia/Bangkok)
U.S. Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their health or drug coverage during the annual enrollment window now underway, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Medicare’s official guidance says changes made during this period take effect January 1, 2027, provided the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7.
Three key points
- The annual window is October 15–December 7, with approved changes effective January 1 of the following year.
- Available changes depend on current coverage and can include switching Medicare Advantage or prescription-drug plans.
- Switching to Original Medicare may require a separate drug plan; access to Medigap has additional timing limits.
Check what can change under your current coverage
People with Medicare Advantage can join, drop or switch plans, including changes involving drug coverage. People in Original Medicare can also join, drop or switch a separate Medicare drug plan. Medicare.gov provides the official plan-comparison route.
The enrollment period also allows a move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. It is a chance to compare the choices actually available to the beneficiary, rather than a promise that every plan or coverage arrangement is suitable.
A change back to Original Medicare has separate questions
Medicare’s guidance cautions that someone returning to Original Medicare may need separate prescription coverage and may want supplemental Medigap insurance. There are limits on when Medigap can be added, so the annual window should not be treated as a guarantee of acceptance.
Iowa’s public SHIIP/SMP counseling service likewise identifies the autumn window as the time to review Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. Both original guidance pages were checked October 21. The accompanying 2014 photograph shows the HHS building in Washington for institutional context, not an enrollment office or current event.
