Medicare Open Enrollment: Here are the 6 Biggest Mistakes To Avoid (2026)

Medicare Open Enrollment: Here are the 6 Biggest Mistakes To Avoid (2026)

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period (AEP) runs from October 15th – December 7th each year. This means that if you want to make changes to your Medicare plan for 2027, you’ll need to do so before December 7, 2026.

During open enrollment, millions of Medicare participants have the opportunity to make changes to their coverage. This is especially important in 2026 because some plans are changing while others are reducing benefits or raising costs.

The AEP provides millions of seniors with an opportunity to switch to better coverage. As the year progresses there are a few things you should keep in mind. It can save you a lot of money in 2027.

1. Failing To Read Your Annual Notice Of Change Now

Millions of seniors make the mistake of not learning what changes will impact them beginning January 1st. You can’t make an informed decision about your 2027 Medicare plan coverage if you don’t take the time to learn about any proposed changes for your current plan.

You should receive your plan’s Annual Notice of Change before the open enrollment period. These are mailed to all participants with Medicare Advantage (MA or Part C) plans as well as those with stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans.

It is vitally important that you read it. If you haven’t received a copy in the mail, or if you discarded it, contact your plan administrator right away and request a copy.

Your notice of change lists the various ways your coverage under your current plan may differ in 2027. In particular, look for changes to your premium and deductible, as well as the formularies (what medications are covered) under your Part D plan.

2. Not Considering Changes To Your Health (or Your Spouse’s)

The second mistake is only looking back and not ahead. There’s a good chance that your own health needs have changed over the past year. Maybe you’ve started taking new medications, or maybe you were diagnosed with a condition that you want to get treatment for in 2027.

All of these should be factored into the equation when considering coverage for the next year. Take time to think about them now, when you can still make changes to your plan and adjust your coverage options.

And remember, your spouse or other family members may have different needs. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that the same plan is right for your entire family.

3. Failing To Explore New Options, Even If You Are Happy

You may be perfectly happy with the Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D drug plan that you have today.

But just because you’re satisfied with your coverage doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look into different options. You won’t know if there’s a cheaper alternative to your Part D plan, for example, if you don’t look. You may find that there’s an Advantage plan that offers more benefits at the same price you’re currently paying.

Shopping around can help you lower costs, even if you don’t want to change anything else about your policy.

4. Not Keeping up with Changes to CMS Policies

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sets policies that may affect your coverage, such as spending caps and allowable benefits. Keeping up with these changes can help you avoid surprises. For example:

• Medicare beneficiaries in six states will now need prior authorization for certain “low-value” services, such as skin substitutes and knee arthroscopy
• The list of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) has been revised to prohibit coverage for cannabis products
• Enrollees in a Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows you to spread out the cost of your prescriptions, will now be re-enrolled automatically

Not everyone will be affected by these changes, but staying informed about them can help you make better decisions about your coverage.

5. Not Confirming that Your Doctor Is In-Network

Almost all doctors accept Original Medicare, but Medicare Advantage plans are more restrictive and require you to visit in-network providers. Always check your plan each year to make sure that the network hasn’t changed and that you can continue to see your preferred healthcare provider.

As of 2026, the Medicare Plan Finder shows beneficiaries which doctors are in their network. If the information provided turns out to be inaccurate, you may be able to change your policy during a Special Enrollment Period.

6. Not Speaking With At Least One Local Medicare Insurance Professional

Medicare is a national program, but your options are always local – based specifically on where you live. In addition to calling one of the toll-free numbers promoted during AEP, it can be helpful to connect with at least one local Medicare insurance agent.

Your local agent will know what your fellow seniors think about various plans. They might know which doctors don’t like to see Medicare patients, or which pharmacies have the lowest prices on prescription medications.

So be sure to review your Annual Notice of Change, consider any changes to your health or circumstances, and contact a local Medicare agent near you.