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What You Need to Know about Medicare Open Enrollment
September 24, 2026
by Partner Colorado Credit Union
Medicare Open Enrollment is an important opportunity to review your health and prescription drug coverage. Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, taking a little time to compare your options could help you avoid unexpected costs and make sure your coverage still fits your needs.
Here’s what you need to know before Medicare Open Enrollment begins.
It’s important to note that Medicare Open Enrollment is different from the Initial Enrollment Period, which is typically when someone first becomes eligible for Medicare at the age of 65. It’s also different from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31 and offers more options to people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and offers extra benefits like vision, hearing and dental, which Original Medicare plans typically don’t cover. For Medicare FAQs and key terms, visit our Medicare Guidance Services page for more information.
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Join, drop or switch a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
• Change Medicare Advantage plans with or without drug coverage.
If you decide to keep your current plan as is, without making any changes during Open Enrollment, your coverage will generally renew automatically. However, your premiums, benefits, provider network and prescription coverage may change for the new year.
A low premium can look appealing, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Compare each plan’s total potential costs, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and prescription expenses.
Ask yourself the following questions.
• Are my doctors and preferred hospitals in the plan’s network?
• Are my medications covered by the plan’s drug list?
• What will I pay at my preferred pharmacy?
• Do I need dental, vision, hearing or other extra benefits?
• Will I need referrals or prior authorization for certain services?
• How much could I pay out of pocket during the year?
According to United Healthcare, for 2027, the annual out-of-pocket threshold for covered Medicare Part D prescription drugs is set at $2,400. However, individual plan premiums, deductibles and medication costs may still vary.
You can compare plans through Medicare’s official Plan Finder. You can also speak with our licensed insurance agent who can walk you through Medicare options with confidence. Our Medicare Guidance Services are free, and there’s never a requirement to enroll in any specific plan.* We can help you identify these options and make the most of your coverage during Open Enrollment.
Medicare Open Enrollment is an important opportunity to make sure your healthcare coverage still fits your needs and budget. Taking the time to review your Medicare options now can help you avoid unexpected expenses and feel more confident about your coverage.
*This is an advertisement for an insurance product. Insurance products are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured and are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union. Effective February 12, 2026, Partner Colorado Credit Union will have a licensed insurance agent on staff to provide assistance with Medicare products. The credit union is collaborating with The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make insurance products and services available to credit union members. All credit union products and services are subject to change without notice. Member Eligibility Required. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. Services only available in Colorado. By emailing us or calling us at 303.422.6221, you are giving permission to have a licensed insurance agent contact you by email, telephone or cell phone to provide information and to answer your Medicare plan options. Your consent is voluntary and allows us to contact you via email, text messaging, artificial or prerecorded voice messages, or automatic dialing for marketing purposes. You may contact us to change your preferences at any time. Data use charges and rates from your cellular carrier may apply.
Here’s what you need to know before Medicare Open Enrollment begins.
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. During this period, those who have Medicare policies can make coverage changes for 2027. Any changes submitted by the deadline will take effect on January 1, 2027.It’s important to note that Medicare Open Enrollment is different from the Initial Enrollment Period, which is typically when someone first becomes eligible for Medicare at the age of 65. It’s also different from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31 and offers more options to people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and offers extra benefits like vision, hearing and dental, which Original Medicare plans typically don’t cover. For Medicare FAQs and key terms, visit our Medicare Guidance Services page for more information.
What Changes Can You Make?
According to Medicare.gov, depending on your current coverage, Medicare Open Enrollment allows you to do the following things.• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Join, drop or switch a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
• Change Medicare Advantage plans with or without drug coverage.
If you decide to keep your current plan as is, without making any changes during Open Enrollment, your coverage will generally renew automatically. However, your premiums, benefits, provider network and prescription coverage may change for the new year.
Review More Than the Monthly Premium
A low premium can look appealing, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Compare each plan’s total potential costs, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and prescription expenses.Ask yourself the following questions.
• Are my doctors and preferred hospitals in the plan’s network?
• Are my medications covered by the plan’s drug list?
• What will I pay at my preferred pharmacy?
• Do I need dental, vision, hearing or other extra benefits?
• Will I need referrals or prior authorization for certain services?
• How much could I pay out of pocket during the year?
According to United Healthcare, for 2027, the annual out-of-pocket threshold for covered Medicare Part D prescription drugs is set at $2,400. However, individual plan premiums, deductibles and medication costs may still vary.
Be Careful with Personal Information
Open Enrollment can bring an increase in advertisements and unsolicited calls. Don’t share your Medicare number, Social Security number or financial information with an unexpected caller. Use official, trusted resources when reviewing coverage.
Compare Plan Options
A large number of people who have Medicare are unaware of additional benefits and cost-saving opportunities that are available.You can compare plans through Medicare’s official Plan Finder. You can also speak with our licensed insurance agent who can walk you through Medicare options with confidence. Our Medicare Guidance Services are free, and there’s never a requirement to enroll in any specific plan.* We can help you identify these options and make the most of your coverage during Open Enrollment.
Give Yourself Time
Don’t wait until December 7 to begin comparing plans. Gather your medication list, preferred pharmacies, doctors and estimated healthcare budget ahead of time. A thoughtful annual review can help you choose Medicare coverage that supports both your health and your financial well-being.Medicare Open Enrollment is an important opportunity to make sure your healthcare coverage still fits your needs and budget. Taking the time to review your Medicare options now can help you avoid unexpected expenses and feel more confident about your coverage.
*This is an advertisement for an insurance product. Insurance products are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured and are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union. Effective February 12, 2026, Partner Colorado Credit Union will have a licensed insurance agent on staff to provide assistance with Medicare products. The credit union is collaborating with The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make insurance products and services available to credit union members. All credit union products and services are subject to change without notice. Member Eligibility Required. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. Services only available in Colorado. By emailing us or calling us at 303.422.6221, you are giving permission to have a licensed insurance agent contact you by email, telephone or cell phone to provide information and to answer your Medicare plan options. Your consent is voluntary and allows us to contact you via email, text messaging, artificial or prerecorded voice messages, or automatic dialing for marketing purposes. You may contact us to change your preferences at any time. Data use charges and rates from your cellular carrier may apply.