The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is when Medicare beneficiaries can review, compare, and make changes to their coverage for the upcoming year. For 2026, there are several important updates that could affect your costs, benefits, and drug coverage — especially if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement with Part D.

What’s Changing for Medicare in 2026

• Part D out-of-pocket cap increases: The new maximum for prescription costs will be around $2,100 in 2026, up slightly from 2025’s $2,000 limit.
• Drug list updates: Each Medicare Advantage and Part D carrier will release new formularies — meaning some prescriptions may move to higher or lower cost tiers.
• Benefit adjustments: Expect changes to dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits under certain Medicare Advantage plans.
• Network changes: Providers or pharmacies may enter or leave your plan’s network, which could affect out-of-pocket costs.

If You’re on a Medicare Advantage Plan

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, AEP is your opportunity to:

• Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with different benefits or costs
• Return to Original Medicare and consider adding a Supplement and Part D plan
• Review changes to your drug list, premium, and provider network for 2026

Because these plans can change each year, it’s essential to verify that your doctors and prescriptions will still be covered — and to compare the total annual cost, not just the premium.

If You’re on a Medicare Supplement + Part D Plan

If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you don’t need to change your Supplement during AEP — those plans remain stable as long as you keep paying your premium. However, you should review your Part D drug plan every year, since formularies and pharmacy networks often change. Updating your prescription drug plan could save you hundreds of dollars in 2026.

What You Should Do During AEP 2026

1. Make a current list of your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies.
2. Check your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter for 2026 updates.
3. Compare plans to ensure your doctors, prescriptions, and costs still fit your needs.
4. Ask a local Medicare specialist — like Songer Insurance — to help you review your best options.

Important Deadlines

The Medicare AEP runs from October 15 through December 7. Any plan changes you make during this window will take effect on January 1, 2026. Missing the deadline means you’ll stay in your current plan for another year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How Songer Insurance Helps During AEP

At Songer Insurance, we help Medicare beneficiaries across West Virginia understand their coverage, compare options, and find the right plan for their health and budget. Whether you’re considering a new Medicare Advantage plan or simply reviewing your Part D drug coverage, we make the process easy and stress-free.

Call 304-252-2158 or visit our Beckley office for a free Medicare AEP consultation. There’s never a cost for our help — and you’ll walk away with confidence about your 2026 coverage.