Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Key Dates and Deadlines for 2026
Know the critical Medicare Advantage enrollment dates for 2026. Learn about Annual Enrollment, Open Enrollment, and Special Enrollment Periods to avoid missing your window.
Critical Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
Understanding Medicare Advantage enrollment periods is essential to getting the coverage you need. Missing a deadline could mean waiting months to enroll or make changes.
Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7)
This is the main window to enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage plans. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year. This is your best opportunity to review and change coverage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 - March 31)
If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this period. You can make one change during this window.
Initial Enrollment Period
When you first become eligible for Medicare (typically around age 65), you have a 7-month window to enroll: 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after.
Special Enrollment Periods
Certain life events like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help can trigger special enrollment periods allowing you to join or change plans outside normal enrollment times.
Do not Miss Your Window
Contact our licensed agents today to ensure you enroll during the right period and get the coverage you need without gaps or penalties.