Medicare open enrollment begins today. Here are 4 things you need to know

Open enrollment for Medicare health and drug plans begins Wednesday, and most older Americans will notice that Medicare plan prices and coverage for 2026 have changed.

Medicare enrollment is open until December 7. During this time, Medicare enrollees can switch between original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a Medicare Advantage plan, which is distributed by private insurance companies. They can also add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, which helps Americans afford their medications.

1. The shutdown will not stop open enrollment, but applicants may experience delays

Medicare enrollment applications are being accepted during the government shutdown, but enrollees with questions may need to wait until the government reopens.

The shutdown began on October 1 amid debates in Congress over health care and is still ongoing. While essential Medicare functions, such as open enrollment and health care cost coverage, continue during the shutdown, nearly half of workers at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have been furloughed.

This means there are fewer workers to assist registrars with any specific questions, which increases wait times in offices and on the phone.

2. Medicare Advantage health insurance premiums will be cheaper, but other costs will rise

In good news for enrollees, premiums for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription drug plans are expected to be lower in 2026. However, this could be offset by increased Medicare Part B and Part D costs.

The average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is expected to decrease by 14.6%, and the typical premium for a standalone Part D will cost 9.9% less, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.

However, the costs of other programs are increasing. Medicare Part B premiums are expected to rise 11.6% in 2026. Part D’s out-of-pocket cap also rises from $2,000 to $2,100, so seniors will have to pay more for their prescription drugs in 2026.

3. Some Medicare Advantage insurance companies are pulling back on their Medicare Advantage plans

Several major health insurance companies have rolled back their Medicare Advantage plans for 2026.

These companies, which include Aetna, CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem, as well as many smaller insurers, have stopped offering Medicare plans because they have become too expensive. Although in some densely populated areas or areas with more seniors, insurers are adding Medicare Advantage plans.

If your Medicare Advantage plan is cancelled, you can choose a new plan during the open enrollment period or switch to Original Medicare. You can determine what’s still available in your area using the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. If you don’t choose a new plan by the new year, you’ll automatically be put into Original Medicare.

4. You should have received notice of any changes in Medicare coverage from your insurance company

If you were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage and Part D plan this year, you should have received an Annual Notice of Change from Medicare, also called an ANOC, by last month to keep up with the many price changes and offers.

This document, sent by mail or email, will notify you of any changes in costs or coverage. ANOC will also notify you if your Medicare Advantage plan is dropped.

If you don’t receive notice or you throw it away, all insurance companies will list their ANOC on their website. If your plan changes, the open enrollment period is the best time to compare other plans and decide whether your current plan is worth continuing.