The Medicare Open Enrollment Period—from October 15 through December 7, 2025—is the time to review your coverage and make any changes for 2026. Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your current plan, it’s important to look closely at your options to make sure your healthcare and budget needs are met in the year ahead.
Here’s a simple checklist of five key things to consider during Medicare Enrollment 2026 to help you make confident, informed choices.
1. Review How Your Current Plan Performed in 2025
Start by evaluating your existing Medicare coverage:
- Were your premiums and out-of-pocket costs manageable?
- Were your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions covered?
- Did you experience any unexpected expenses or coverage issues?
If you found that your plan no longer meets your needs—or your healthcare usage has changed—it may be time to explore new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement options for 2026.
2. Check for 2026 Plan Changes and Updates
Every year, insurance companies make adjustments to Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Premiums, copays, drug formularies, and provider networks can all change.
Action steps:
- Review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), typically mailed in September.
- Confirm that your doctors, preferred hospitals, and prescriptions will still be covered in 2026.
- Compare at least a few plans in your area—what worked last year might not be the best fit this year.
A quick annual review can help you avoid higher costs or reduced coverage.
3. Consider Your Prescription Drug Needs
Prescription coverage is one of the most important parts of Medicare planning. Even if you don’t take many medications now, having the right Part D plan can save you from unexpected costs in the future.
Tips to evaluate your drug coverage:
- Review your plan’s 2026 formulary (list of covered drugs).
- Check whether your pharmacy is still in-network.
- Look for plans that cap annual out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions.
If you have multiple medications or new prescriptions, comparing plans carefully can help you find one that offers better value and predictable costs.
4. Understand the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make during enrollment is choosing between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Medicare Advantage: Combines hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and often prescription drug coverage (Part D) into one plan. Many include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
- Medigap: Works with Original Medicare to help pay out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copayments. You can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, but you’ll need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
Choosing the right option depends on your health, travel habits, and financial priorities. A licensed Medicare advisor can help you compare coverage side by side to see which plan structure works best for your needs.
5. Get Personalized, Professional Guidance
Medicare rules and plan details can be complex—but you don’t have to make decisions alone. Working with a licensed Medicare insurance professional ensures you have clear, unbiased information to guide your choices.
Torgersen Consulting Benefits Group offers one-on-one Medicare reviews to help you:
- Compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options for 2026
- Understand plan benefits, networks, and costs
- Make confident, informed decisions before the December 7 enrollment deadline
The Bottom Line
Taking time to review your plan, understand new 2026 changes, and compare your options can make a big difference in both your coverage and your budget. By following this checklist, you can ensure your Medicare plan supports your health and financial goals in the year ahead.
Torgersen Consulting Benefits Group is here to help you navigate Medicare Enrollment 2026 with confidence. Contact us today to schedule your personalized Medicare review and make the most of your coverage for the upcoming year.