Enrollment period open for 2026 Medicare plans
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Medicare patients are reminded that the annual open enrollment period began Wednesday for 2026 healthcare plans and there are several updates to make it easier for patients to select plans which include their physicians.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Medicare patients are reminded that the annual open enrollment period began Wednesday for 2026 healthcare plans and there are several updates to make it easier for patients to select plans which include their physicians.
The enrollment period continues through Sunday, Dec. 7.
During this time, people eligible for Medicare can compare 2026 coverage options online at Medicare.gov and use the Medicare Plan Finder to review different Medicare Advantage plans. People who want to keep their current Medicare coverage do not need to re-enroll.
The open enrollment period is also the time when Medicare recipients can review their Part D prescription drug coverage.
For 2026 coverage, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is introducing new features to its Medicare Plan Finder tool. One new feature allows patients to confirm whether their current physicians are in network before choosing a plan.
The American Medical Association has advocated for that option, saying it has heard from patients struggling to navigate the Plan Finder. “We have urged CMS to deliver a one-stop tool where patients can: verify if a doctor or hospital is in network; filter plans by specialty, location, language, and hospital affiliation; and avoid post-enrollment surprises,” the AMA said in a statement.
Also in 2026, CMS says Medicare Plan Finder will provide details about supplemental benefits such as weight management programs, enhanced security measures to safeguard accounts, and options to match beneficiaries’ specific needs.
