Understanding Your New Medicare Benefits in 2026

The start of the year is more than just a fresh calendar. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, it’s also your second chance to make sure your health coverage truly fits your needs.

From January 1 through March 31, Medicare offers the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), a limited‑time opportunity to adjust your plan if something isn’t working for you.

Many people select their plan during the fall Annual Enrollment Period only to discover that once January arrives, that:

• Their doctor is no longer in‑network
• A prescription costs more than expected
• A benefit they counted on has changed
• The plan doesn’t fit their routine, health needs, or lifestyle

OEP gives you the ability to correct those surprises. Before making any decisions, take the time to carefully review your coverage, including your provider network, prescription drug costs, out‑of‑pocket limits, and any extra benefits you rely on. If anything seems off or confusing, this is an excellent moment to contact your licensed insurance agent. 

They can help you interpret your plan details, compare options, and determine whether a change is appropriate. Make sure you are speaking to someone you trust, and not someone who might be using OEP simply as an opportunity to gain your business and push you into a new plan.

OEP offers a one‑time opportunity to adjust your Medicare Advantage coverage. Between January 1 and March 31, you may:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage)
• Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
• Add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

Any change you make becomes effective on the first day of the following month.

To keep things simple and protect consumers from plan hopping, Medicare places limits on this period. During OEP, you cannot:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Enroll in or change Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans
• Make multiple changes—only one adjustment is allowed

If you’re already in Original Medicare and want Medicare Advantage, you’ll need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Life changes and so do Medicare Advantage plans. Costs, provider networks, and covered services may shift from year to year. Meanwhile, your own health needs, prescription list, or budget may not be the same as they were when you enrolled.

Reviewing your coverage now ensures:

• You’re not paying more than you need to
• Your doctors and specialists still accept your plan
• Your prescriptions remain affordable
• Your coverage aligns with your current lifestyle and health goals

Even if you feel satisfied with your plan, a 15‑minute review with your licensed agent can offer peace of mind and could help you avoid unwanted surprises later.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is designed to give you flexibility and protection. It’s your early‑year chance to make sure the coverage you selected truly supports your health, your budget, and your way of life.

Take this time to review, reassess, and reach out to your licensed agent if needed. The goal isn’t to make a change, it’s to make sure you’re confident in the coverage you have.