Medicare Open Enrollment: What to Review Every Fall
A practical annual review checklist for Advantage, Medigap, and Part D.
Why fall shopping matters
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period is when most people can change Advantage and Part D plans for the coming year. Networks, premiums, and drug tiers change often enough that autopilot is risky.
Even if you stay with Original Medicare and Medigap, you should still revisit Part D against your current medications.
What to compare
Confirm doctors and hospitals. Re-enter your full drug list. Check total estimated annual cost, not just premium. Review prior authorization rules for therapies you use.
Keep notes — next year you will thank yourself when the plan landscape shifts again.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
- Typically October 15 through December 7 for January 1 coverage. Confirm current dates on Medicare.gov.
- Can I change Medigap during Open Enrollment?
- Medigap follows different rules than Advantage/Part D. Changing Medigap later may involve underwriting depending on your state.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government Medicare site · reviewed 2026-01-15
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
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