Medicare Open Enrollment for Those Already in Medicare Advantage Plan

Learn when you can change your Medicare Advantage plan and what your options are.

When is Medicare Advantage open enrollment?

For those who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change your existing plan or go back to original Medicare and add a Part D prescription starting on January 1, 2026. The open enrollment period ends on March 31, 2026. Keep in mind that without a supplemental or Advantage plan, you will be responsible for all 20% of your medical bills. There is no max out-of-pocket.

There are about 2.6 million people currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that will be terminated for the 2026 year. So, it is important to review yoru options.

The two biggest insurers for Medicare Advantage plans are Humana and United HealthCare. They will be offering plans in approximately 80% of counties, down from 90% in 2025. The average medicare beneficiary will be able to choose between 32 Medicare Advantage plans that offer drug coverage between eight insurers. 

Understanding your Medicare Advantage options

There are some relatively inexpensive Medicare Advantage plans available. But don't just rely on the cost to make your decision. It is important to review your health treatment needs and where your providers are located. You can go to cms.gov and enter your patient information as well as contact your providers to see if they are accepting the plan you may be switching to or are currently in. Don't rely on lists that are not always updated.

It's important to keep in mind: 

Two out of three Medicare Advantage plans are offered without a supplemental fee above the Part B premium. Remember, the Part B premium can have an upcharge based on higher incomes, which can be disputed if your income drops. Also, changing plans will not terminate late enrollment charges to Part B plan. 

Different Medicare Advantage plans cover different things. If any of these are a priority for you, find out what your plan offers and compare it to other plans. Don't let the extra benefits determine your healthcare coverage. Healthcare is the most expensive part of your coverage for a reason. You need to make sure you have the best coverage for your current and future healthcare needs.

• Almost all of the Medicare Advantage plans offer vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
• Over-the-counter benefits are offered on 66% of the Medicare Advantage Plans. This includes first aid, dietary supplements, cold remedies, and pain management. 
• Meal plan benefits are available on 57% of the plans. 
• Transportation assistance is available on about 25% of the plans. 
• Less than 10% of the plans offer in-home care or caregiver support. 

Around one in three Medicare Advantage plans are offering premium reductions on Medicare in 2026. Of those offering reductions in Part B premiums, approximately 36% offer a reduction of $100 or more while 28% offer a reduction of $10 or less per month. 

Plan stats and information according to KFF.

How to change from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare

If you have found that Medicare Advantage has had too many changes that are too uncertain, check with your State Health Insurance Program to understand your state-specific regulations. They can help you understand if you can change back to original Medicare and pick up a Medigap Supplement plan. 

Some states offer this option any time. Other states may not. You also may not get guaranteed issue based on your current health status. 

Some life changes will qualify you for the Medigap plan if you've moved states or if your Medicare Advantage plan went away. 

You can also contact a trusted independent insurance broker in your city to guide you.

Medicare instead of an employer plan for those 65 and up

For those of you who may be considering Medicare in lieu of an employer plan because you are 65 years old or older but still covered under an employer plan, please review all of your options carefully. Medigap plans may offer you greater stability, less prior authorizations and a broader network of providers. For instance, if you have Medicare and a provider takes Medicare, they have to take your Medigap plan, no matter where you live. If you travel a lot or if you live in more than one state this may be the best option for you. 

2026 health insurance outlook

This is going to be a defining year in our healthcare space. Many people are going to be impacted. Please know your plan, review your options and stay aware of your plan benefits and coverage as things may change during the year.