The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Enrollment Period, takes place this year from October 15 to December 7, 2025, with new Medicare plans starting on January 1, 2026.
During the months of September and early October, your current Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO, POS) with drug coverage, or your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan will be sending you information regarding the upcoming changes to your 2026 coverage. This document is called your Annual Notice of Change. This information will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to keep your current coverage or make a change.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is your opportunity to re-evaluate your current plan and compare it to other options available. If you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage and your needs are met, you don’t have to make any changes. Your plan will automatically renew on January 1.
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, current beneficiaries can make the following changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for the year ahead:
- Enroll in or review and change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Join a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time.
- If you are already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can use the Open Enrollment Period to switch back to Original Medicare with a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and add a Supplemental Medigap Plan, if desired.
If you are looking to review your coverage you have a few options:
- A Medicare.gov account is a personalized tool that allows you to manage your drug and pharmacy information, conduct plan comparisons, provide premium details, access a temporary copy of your Medicare card, and request an official card be mailed to you.
- LifePath’s SHINE Counselors are available to assist you to enroll in the Medicare plan of your choice. Counselors will financially screen you to see if you qualify for any special programs that could reduce costs through Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program, and the Federal Extra Help Program.
- In addition to LifePath’s SHINE Counselors, the Center for Medicare Services representatives can assist with switching Part D and Advantage Plans. Call 1-800-633-4227, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
There are key dates and actions for you to remember:
- October 15 – December 7: Opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage.
- January 1, 2026: Changes made during the Open Enrollment Period take effect.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31): If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to another plan, or disenroll in it and return to an Original Medicare Plan.
If you are on Medicare and have a limited income, you may qualify for help paying for your Medicare Part B premium of $185/monthly through the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), previously known as the MassHealth Buy-In. While these MSPs are not insurance, they can help pay for Medicare costs like premiums, deductibles, and reduction of drug copays. It only takes a few minutes to apply and it could save you thousands of dollars. Estate recovery does not apply to the Medicare Savings Program, meaning your estate will not have to repay MassHealth for MSP benefits after your death. To apply you may call MassHealth Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900, visit Mass.gov, or a SHINE counselor can assist you with applying for this Medicare Program.
By comparing your options you may find a plan that offers you better coverage or saves you money. Keep an eye on your mail for important plan change information. Your opportunity to change plans for 2026 ends December 7, 2025!
LifePath’s SHINE Program provides confidential and unbiased health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries through its highly-trained staff and 45 certified volunteers. This is a free service, though contributions are welcome and will go a long way to help support this vital program. For further assistance with Medicare questions, you may request an appointment with a certified SHINE counselor by contacting the LifePath SHINE Regional Office at 1-800-498-4232 or 413-773-5555, Ext. 1220; or by contacting your local Council on Aging.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Often a Time for Increased Medicare Scams! Be Careful!
During Open Enrollment, you may see an increase in advertising from Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on TV, by mail, and also online, focused on attracting and enrolling beneficiaries. Individuals pretending to be from the specific Medicare plans may try to contact you and act helpful, but are actually attempting to steal your personal details, financial information, and hard-earned savings.
Be aware of misleading Medicare advertising and high-pressure tactics. Don’t share sensitive personal information with anyone who calls, emails, or visits you promoting a Medicare plan. Protect your Medicare card like you would a credit card! If you are feeling pressured, confused, or if you think it’s a scam, hang up or delete the email or text. If you fear your Medicare number has been compromised, or you would like more information, reach out to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-892-0890 or masmp.org.
