Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. During this time, individuals with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for 2027.
Medicare plans can change their costs, benefits, provider networks and prescription drug coverage from year to year. Reviewing your options can help ensure your plan continues to meet your health care needs and budget.
Important dates to remember:
- October 15, 2026: Medicare Open Enrollment begins.
- December 7, 2026: Last day to make changes to Medicare health or prescription drug coverage for 2027.
- January 1, 2027: New coverage begins for those who make changes during Open Enrollment.
Understand Your Options Before Switching
Before switching from Traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, it's important to understand the differences.
Most Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for certain services, unlike Traditional Medicare, which generally has fewer prior authorization requirements. These requirements can affect access to diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, procedures, surgeries, hospital stays and rehabilitation. According to ruralMED Health Cooperative, more than nine out of 10 Nebraska hospitals report that prior authorization requirements for Medicare Advantage plans delay necessary care. According to the Nebraska Hospital Association, 84% of Nebraska hospitals reported it is more difficult to get post-acute placements approved for Medicare Advantage patients than Traditional Medicare patients.
Before choosing a plan, consider whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network, how prior authorization requirements could affect access to care and what costs and benefits are included.
It's also important to understand your options if you decide to switch back to Traditional Medicare in the future. Depending on your health status and circumstances, you may not be able to obtain the same supplemental coverage you previously had. Medicare Advantage plan networks and benefits can also change over time.
Even if you're satisfied with your current plan, reviewing your coverage each year can help ensure it continues to meet your health care needs and budget. For more information or to compare plans, visit Medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).