Medicare guide · October 29, 2026
Medicare Open Enrollment: What Can You Actually Change?
By Star Family Insurance Services
Fall brings an opportunity to review your Medicare coverage. But not every Medicare policy follows the same enrollment rules.
What can you change?
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Depending on your current coverage, you can change Medicare Advantage plans, move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change your Part D prescription drug coverage. Changes made during this window generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
Review what matters to you
- Are your preferred doctors and hospitals covered?
- How are your prescriptions covered, and which pharmacies can you use?
- What are the premiums and other out-of-pocket costs?
- Has your current plan announced changes for next year?
Fall Open Enrollment does not automatically allow everyone to buy or switch a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.
Before leaving a Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare, check your ability to obtain any Medigap coverage you want. A change that sounds simple can affect your costs and coverage.
Make time for a thoughtful review
You don’t have to make a change just because it’s enrollment season. Start with your current coverage, identify any concerns and compare the options available for your situation.
Contact Jim at Star Family Insurance Services to talk through your questions.
Source: Medicare.gov — Open Enrollment. Information reviewed October 29, 2026.