Understanding the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment

By Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Each year Medicare allows beneficiaries to make changes to how they receive Medicare coverage during the annual open enrollment period. Let’s review a few of the basics and your options during this annual event.

Medicare at a Glance

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and younger adults with long-term disabilities. People with Medicare may choose to receive Medicare benefits through original Medicare (Parts A and B) or through a Medicare Advantage plan administered by a private health insurer.

With original Medicare, you can also sign up for a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to cover outpatient drugs. Individuals usually purchase a Supplemental insurance policy to help with deductibles, coinsurance, and other out of pocket costs after Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans, which include services covered under Medicare Parts A and B, typically include Part D prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. You still need to sign up for Part A and B before you choose a Medicare Advantage program and you will continue to pay Part B premiums.

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

The annual Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, people with Medicare can review Medicare plans offered in their area and make changes to their Medicare coverage – this goes into effect on January 1 of the following year. This includes:

• Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage – or vice versa
• Switching between Medicare Advantage plans
• Electing or switching between Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

NOTE: This does NOT include making changes or enrolling in a Medicare Supplement with no medical underwriting approval. Special circumstances can come into play, but “no questions asked” changes to supplements are typically not included in the Open Enrollment period.

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans change from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to compare your options annually. Marketing for 2026 plans begins on October 1 – you’ll see more advertising for these programs during this time.

WisMed Assure is here to help you navigate every step of this journey. Alisa Allen, our Medicare Insurance Specialist, has extensive experience with educating and assisting individuals on Medicare basics and insurance options that coordinate with Medicare.

Alisa is happy to help make this an easier process for you and your family. Reach out to Alisa at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or call her direct at 608.665.9443 for assistance.