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Medicare Fall Open Enrollment checklist

Every year from October 15 to December 7, you can review and change your Medicare drug coverage. This step-by-step checklist will guide you through it.

Why the Annual Enrollment Period matters

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also called AEP, Fall Open Enrollment, or Medicare Open Enrollment) runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. This is the only time most beneficiaries can switch Part D plans, switch Medicare Advantage plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Coverage you choose during AEP takes effect January 1 of the following year.

Many people skip AEP because their plan seems "fine." That's often a costly mistake. Plans change every year — premiums go up, drugs get dropped, pharmacies leave networks. A plan that worked great in 2025 might cost you hundreds more in 2026 without any action on your part.

Your step-by-step AEP checklist

Step 1: Read your Annual Notice of Change (early October)

Your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan must send you the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30. This document explains every change to your plan for the upcoming year.

What to check:

  • Premium changes (going up? by how much?)
  • Each drug you take — still covered? Same tier? Same copay?
  • Your pharmacy — still in network? Still preferred?
  • Deductible changes
  • Any new prior authorization or step therapy requirements

Full guide to reading your ANOC →

Step 2: List your current medications and pharmacy (mid-October)

Before comparing plans, gather:

  • Every prescription you currently take, including dose and how many times per month
  • The name and address of your preferred pharmacy
  • Whether you use mail-order delivery
  • Your Medicare number (red, white, and blue card)
  • Your ZIP code

This information is what you'll use to compare plans accurately.

Step 3: Compare plans with the Medicare.gov Plan Finder (late October)

The official Medicare.gov Plan Finder is the most accurate tool for comparing Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. Enter your ZIP code, drugs, and pharmacy, and it will show you projected total annual costs for each plan in your area.

What to compare:

  • Total estimated annual cost — premiums + deductible + copays for all your drugs
  • Drug coverage — does the plan cover all your medications?
  • Pharmacy access — is your pharmacy in-network and preferred?
  • Coverage restrictions — any prior authorization or step therapy?
  • Star rating — Medicare's 1–5 quality rating

Step 4: Get free expert help (any time during AEP)

You don't have to figure this out alone. Free, unbiased help is available:

  • Your state's SHIP counselor — Free one-on-one Medicare counseling. Find your state's program at our state directory or call 1-877-839-2675.
  • Licensed Local Medicare Agents — Free service that runs plan comparisons for you. Find one at MedicareAgents.com.
  • Medicare 24/7 helpline — Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) any time.

Step 4b: Compare side by side

Beyond the Plan Finder, two other free options can help you compare: PlanMatch lets you compare Part D plans by entering your medications, and licensed Medicare agents can run the comparison for you and explain the tradeoffs.

Step 5: Make your decision and enroll (by December 7)

Once you've identified the best plan for your needs, enroll. You can do this:

  • Online at Medicare.gov
  • By calling 1-800-MEDICARE
  • By calling the plan directly
  • Through your SHIP counselor or licensed agent

Once you enroll in a new plan, your old plan is automatically dropped on December 31. You don't need to call your old plan to cancel.

Step 6: Confirm and prepare (December)

After enrolling:

  • You'll get a confirmation letter from your new plan within 7–10 days
  • Your new member ID card should arrive before January 1
  • Make a list of your refill dates so you know what to fill in December (under your old plan) and what to wait for January (under your new plan)
  • If you're using mail-order, set up the new plan's mail-order service in late December so it's ready January 1

Important: Don't skip your refills

Make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of each medication on hand by January 1, in case there's any delay processing your new plan. Most pharmacies will let you refill 7-10 days early.

Key dates to remember

  • September 30 — Last day for plans to send your ANOC
  • October 15 — Annual Enrollment Period begins
  • December 7 — Annual Enrollment Period ends (last day to switch)
  • January 1 — New plan coverage begins
  • January 1 – March 31 — Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (you can switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare with a Part D plan)

If you miss December 7

If you miss the December 7 deadline, you generally cannot change your Part D plan until the next AEP — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to circumstances like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help. Learn about Special Enrollment Periods →

The exception: if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) to switch MA plans once or return to Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan.

Frequently asked questions

When is Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Coverage you select during this time begins January 1 of the following year.

What can I do during Medicare Open Enrollment?

You can join a Part D plan, switch from one Part D plan to another, drop Part D coverage, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa), and switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

Do I need to do anything if my plan is fine?

No. If you don't take action, you'll be automatically re-enrolled in your current plan for the following year — with whatever changes were described in your Annual Notice of Change. But it's always smart to review the ANOC and compare alternatives.

Can I change my plan after December 7?

Generally no — you have to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period. Exceptions: Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch MA plans during the MA Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). Special Enrollment Periods may also apply if you move, lose other coverage, or qualify for Extra Help.

How do I find the best plan for my drugs?

Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder, which compares all available plans based on your specific medications and pharmacy. You can also get free help from your state's SHIP counselor or a licensed Local Medicare Agent.