Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

September 29, 2025
Elderly couple consults with a younger woman, discussing documents indoors.

If you have Medicare coverage, the Medicare Open Enrollment period is a good time to review your options, compare costs, and make sure that your current Medicare coverage meets your needs.


When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 of each year. During this window, anyone with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage that will be effective for the following calendar year.



What can you do during Open Enrollment?

During Open Enrollment, you can:

  • Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), or vice versa
  • Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan
  • Enroll in, drop, or switch from one stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan to another



If you're happy with Original Medicare or your current plan, should you still review your coverage?

Each year, Medicare plans make changes to their costs, coverage, and network of providers. Prescription drug coverage can also change. Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, Open Enrollment is your chance to see if you can make changes that could help save you money or enhance your benefits.


You can review your plan's Annual Notice of Change that lists changes to your plan's coverage, costs, or service area to find out if your current doctors and prescriptions are still covered and affordable. Any changes to your plan will take effect on January 1, 2026.



Are there other times you can make changes?

In addition to the Open Enrollment period, there are Special Enrollment periods for certain life events, such as moving to a new address or losing another form of coverage.


There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period which allows you to switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to Original Medicare. If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, this period runs from January 1 through March 31. If you are new to Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, this period runs from the first month you're eligible for both Parts A and B, until the last day of the third month you're first eligible.


If you have questions about Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit the Medicare website at medicare.gov. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program can also help you sort through your options.


All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.

Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.

Two people smiling together in a bright kitchen, looking at something on a counter
By TFC Team July 24, 2026
Learn how to help protect your child's identity from theft with credit freezes, secure records, online safety tips, and warning signs to watch.
Family standing on a beach, looking out at the water near grassy dunes.
By TFC Team July 24, 2026
Test your estate planning knowledge with this quiz covering wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, executors, and beneficiary designations.
People gathered outside a large blue civic building, relaxing and talking in a green park.
By TFC Team July 24, 2026
Higher education in 2026 brings rising college costs, new 529 rules, student loan caps, repayment plans, and more options for job training.
Woman in a kitchen holding a bundle of cash near a sink and flowers
By TFC Team July 24, 2026
Learn how the Federal Reserve uses the PCE price index, core PCE, and its 2% inflation target to guide interest rate decisions.
Show More