Can I still make changes to my Medicare coverage for 2026?
The Medicare open enrollment period for 2026 coverage concluded on December 7, 2025, and the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period ended on March 31, 2026. So for most people with Medicare, opportunities to make changes to 2026 coverage have ended.
(The open enrollment period for 2027 coverage runs from October 15, 2026 through December 7, 2026.)
But depending on the circumstances, some people still have other opportunities to enroll or make changes to their 2026 coverage:
Medicare special enrollment periods
Medicare special enrollment periods are available due to various circumstances, with differing rules for Medicare Part B (and premium Part A) versus Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D.
If you experience one of the qualifying life events that triggers a special enrollment period, you may be able to enroll in Medicare without a late enrollment penalty and without having to wait until the next General Enrollment Period. Or if you already have private Medicare coverage, you may find that you have an opportunity to make a plan change due to the qualifying event.
If you’re unsure of your eligibility for a special enrollment period, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss the issue with a Medicare representative.
What is the 5-star special enrollment period?
If there’s a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan in your area that has earned the government’s 5-star (excellent) rating, you’re allowed to switch onto that plan anytime between December 8 and November 30. This is called the 5-star special enrollment period, and you’re allowed to utilize it one time during that period.
For 2026, only 21 Medicare contracts nationwide earned a 5-star rating, out of more than 550 total contracts. One is a Medicare cost plans, 18 are Medicare Advantage plans with Part D coverage, and two are stand-alone Part D plans. So most enrollees do not have access to a 5-star plan in 2026, and thus cannot use the 5-star special enrollment period.
When can I enroll in a Medicare Special Needs Plan?
If you develop a condition that makes you eligible for a Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) and an applicable SNP is available in your area, you can join it at any time. Once you join, your special enrollment period ends.
If I am a dual eligible, when can I make changes to my Medicare coverage?
If you’re covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, you have a monthly opportunity to:
- switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (plus a Part D prescription drug plan),
- switch from one stand-alone Part D plan to another, or
- switch to a dual-eligible special needs plan (a type of Medicare Advantage plan specifically designed for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid).
This monthly enrollment opportunity became available starting in 2025, replacing the previous quarterly enrollment opportunity.
When can I enroll in a Medigap plan?
You can apply for a Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) plan at any time during the year. If you’re within the six-month open enrollment window that begins as soon as you’re at least 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B, the coverage is guaranteed issue. That is also the case if you’re in a Medigap special enrollment period triggered by a qualifying event. (Be aware that not all of the special enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D apply to Medigap plans).
You can still apply for a Medigap plan outside of open/special enrollment periods; just be aware that in most states, the carrier will use medical underwriting to determine whether to accept your application, and how much to charge you.
Some states have created annual windows during which enrollees can switch to a different Medigap plan without medical underwriting, but this is the exception rather than the rule; federal law does not grant any sort of annual open enrollment period for Medigap plans.
Louise Norris is an individual health insurance broker who has been writing about health insurance and health reform since 2006. She has written hundreds of opinions and educational pieces about the Affordable Care Act and Medicare for healthinsurance.org and medicareresources.org.
