In October, Medicare gives you the opportunity to adjust and modify your coverage for the upcoming year. Unlike Social Security, which is a one-time decision for most people, your Medicare coverage can be adjusted if you anticipate that your needs might change in the next year.
So, we suggest adding these dates to your calendar: Medicare open enrollment for 2026 starts on October 15, 2025, and ends on December 7, 2025. That’s your window to review and adjust your coverage, if needed.
Date | What’s Happening? |
|---|---|
October 15, 2025 to December 7, 2025 | Medicare open enrollment period. |
January 1, 2026 | New coverage starts for all changes made during open enrollment. |
January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 | Medicare Advantage open enrollment. If you are unhappy with your Medicare Advantage plan, you can make changes during this three-month period. |
Three Factors to Consider¹
Here are three questions to ask yourself that can help determine whether you should keep your current Medicare plan or consider switching to a new one. If the answer is “no” to one or more of these questions, you might want to see what other plans have to offer.
Will I have the coverage that I need for my family?
Remember, Medicare plans are not set in stone! Insurance companies can change their Part D and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans every year. It’s possible that you could have different benefits and services added—or removed—each year. Be on the lookout for an Annual Notice of Changes letter, which will outline plan changes and cost updates each year. If you see something you don’t like, it may be time to review your options.
Have I considered the plan premiums and other costs?
Take a minute and jot down the health care services you anticipate using next year. Then, take a look at your plan’s quoted costs, and start to estimate what you might have to pay. Break these costs down by month and then add them to your monthly premium expense. Is that amount going to work with what you have budgeted for healthcare?
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2
What about doctors and pharmacies? Can I see the ones I like?
For some, this can be the biggest consideration—did my doctor remain in the plan? If your doctor was removed, your plan may now consider them an out-of-network expense. Many people can manage if their “go-to pharmacy” has been changed, but most would prefer to continue to see the same doctor.
If you get some updated information from Medicare and it looks like your plan may have some changes, please contact us. We are not Medicare experts, but we work with individuals who can help provide some guidance and insight. You don’t have to make the decision alone. We’re here to help.
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UNC.com, 2025
