Medicare OEP: What Seniors Need to Know for a Smooth Start to 2026

Medicare OEP: What Seniors Need to Know for a Smooth Start to 2026.

The New Year brings fresh beginnings—and for Medicare beneficiaries, it also brings an important opportunity to make sure you’re in the right health plan. From January 1st through March 31st, Medicare offers a special window called the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that allows you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage coverage.

If you ended 2025 unsure whether your current plan is the right fit—or if you're already noticing changes in your benefits—OEP is your chance to fix it.

Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident and protected going into 2026.

What Exactly Is Medicare OEP?

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs January 1 – March 31 each year.
It allows anyone currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to:

✔ Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan

(with or without drug coverage)

✔ Go back to Original Medicare

and add a standalone Part D prescription plan if needed

What you cannot do during OEP:
✘ Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time
✘ Switch standalone Part D plans unless you are leaving a Medicare Advantage plan and returning to Original Medicare

This period is designed specifically for seniors who realized—after using their plan—that their current coverage is not meeting their needs.

Why OEP Matters More Than Ever

Many seniors choose a plan during Annual Enrollment (AEP) in the fall… but things change:

• Prescription costs are higher than expected

• You discover your doctor isn’t actually in-network

• Your plan added or removed benefits

• The copays are more expensive than you thought

• You didn’t fully understand your options when you enrolled

OEP gives you a second chance—without penalties—to make sure you’re protected for the year ahead.

Signs You May Need to Review Your Plan During OEP

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to take another look:

• Your medication costs went up in January

Even small changes in formularies can result in higher monthly spending.

• Your specialist or preferred provider is no longer in network

This is one of the most common reasons seniors switch during OEP.

• Your out-of-pocket expenses seem higher than expected

Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can add up quickly.

• You wanted extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances) that your current plan does not offer

Many plans in 2026 include added benefits that may be a better fit.

• You're unhappy with customer service or claims handling

How a plan treats you matters just as much as the benefits.

Don’t Wait—OEP Is Only Once a Year

Once March 31st passes, your opportunity to adjust Medicare Advantage coverage won’t return until the next Annual Enrollment Period in October—unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

That means any expenses, network surprises, or plan frustrations you experience could impact you for the entire year.

This is why reviewing your plan early in OEP is so important.

How a Medicare Review Helps You Make the Best Choice

A licensed Medicare professional can:

• Compare all available local plans

• Check your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies

• Confirm your doctors and specialists are in-network

• Look for lower-cost or better-benefit options

• Explain changes in your current plan

• Help you switch seamlessly if needed

There is never a cost for a review, and you are never obligated to enroll in anything.

The goal is simple:
Make sure you have the coverage you deserve—without surprises.

Your Health Matters. Your Coverage Should Too.

Medicare is not “one size fits all.”
What works for your friend, spouse, or neighbor may not be the right fit for you.

OEP is your chance to take control, compare your options, and step into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

If you’d like help reviewing your plan—or just want a second opinion—our team is here to support you every step of the way.