Medicare Annual Enrollment 2026: What Missouri Beneficiaries Need to Know
Quick Answer: Medicare Annual Enrollment, also called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. During this period, people with Medicare can make certain changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for 2027. Changes made during Annual Enrollment generally take effect January 1, 2027.
What Is Medicare Annual Enrollment?
Medicare Annual Enrollment is the yearly opportunity for people with Medicare to review their current coverage and make certain changes for the upcoming year.
Medicare health and prescription drug plans can change their costs, benefits, coverage and provider or pharmacy networks from year to year. That is why reviewing your coverage before the new plan year can be important, even if you have been happy with your plan.
For 2026, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7.
What Can I Change During Medicare Annual Enrollment?
Depending on your current coverage, you may be able to:
Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan
Add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage
Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
Change your Medicare prescription drug plan if you have Original Medicare
Coverage changes made during this period generally begin January 1, 2027.
Do I Have to Change My Medicare Plan Every Year?
No.
You do not have to change your Medicare coverage simply because Annual Enrollment has arrived.
If your current plan will continue to be offered and you are satisfied that it will meet your needs for the upcoming year, you can generally keep it. However, Medicare and CMS recommend reviewing your plan materials to understand any changes to your coverage, costs, providers or pharmacies. More details here.
What Should I Review During Annual Enrollment?
Before deciding whether to keep your current coverage, consider reviewing:
Monthly premiums
Deductibles
Copays and coinsurance
Maximum out-of-pocket costs
Your doctors and hospitals
Prescription medications
Preferred pharmacies
Drug costs and coverage
Benefits that matter to you
Changes listed in your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan's Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC, explains changes to coverage, costs and other plan details that take effect in January. Medicare says these notices are generally sent in September.
When Should I Start Reviewing My Medicare Plan?
You don't need to wait until the last week of Annual Enrollment.
Medicare's 2026 handbook specifically encourages beneficiaries to begin comparing their current coverage with 2027 options starting October 1, before Open Enrollment begins.
Giving yourself time to review your options can make the process much less stressful.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Help in Missouri
If you're reviewing Medicare coverage in St. Charles County, St. Louis County or the surrounding Missouri area, Mesplay Insurance Services can help you understand your available Medicare options.
Ed Mesplay provides personalized, one-on-one Medicare guidance for people who are turning 65, already enrolled in Medicare or reviewing their coverage during Annual Enrollment.
Ready to Review Your Medicare Coverage?
Schedule a free Medicare review with Ed Mesplay from Mesplay Insurance Services before December 7.
