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Medicare open enrollment starts today: a no-panic starter guide
By The Trends Incoming team · 2026-10-15
Mark the calendar: Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. If you or a parent is on Medicare, this is the annual "are we still on the right plan?" window.
What it is (and what it isn't)
During Open Enrollment you can, depending on your current coverage, join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, change how you get Medicare (Advantage vs. Original Medicare), and join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan. Your plan needs your enrollment request by December 7.
This is not the same as HealthCare.gov open enrollment for Marketplace plans. That separate window opens November 1. We cover that on our 2027 open enrollment page.
Why it's trending today
Because day one is loud on purpose. CMS says Advantage and Part D choices for 2027 look broadly stable, and it wants people comparing plans on Medicare.gov before auto-renewing into surprises. Pair that with today's official 3.6% Social Security COLA, and a lot of households are looking at benefits and premiums in the same week.
A simple checklist
- Open the Annual Notice of Change from your current plan. Read the 2027 premium, deductible and drug list changes.
- List your prescriptions and doctors.
- Compare on Medicare Plan Finder (or call 1-800-MEDICARE).
- If you're happy, you can do nothing and stay put. If you're not, enroll by Dec 7.
What's next
You've got until December 7. Don't wait until the last weekend if you need to mail a form. And keep an eye on 2027 Medicare premium announcements, which shape how much of that COLA you actually keep.
Where to follow it
Start at Medicare.gov's Open Enrollment page. CMS's landscape release has the high-level 2027 picture. Hashtag links below show the public conversation; use official tools for decisions that affect your coverage.
Quick answers
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Is this the same as HealthCare.gov open enrollment?
No. Marketplace open enrollment opens November 1. Medicare's window is separate.
Where should I compare plans?
Medicare.gov Plan Finder, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Follow it
The trend card
Medicare open enrollment starts today
Oct 15 through Dec 7: compare 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Changes take effect Jan 1. Different from HealthCare.gov open enrollment (that opens Nov 1).
Sources
By The Trends Incoming team · Fact-checked 2026-10-15. Dates change, so double-check with the official source.