Category: Medicare Plans

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Medicare OEP vs AEP: When You Can Actually Switch Plans in 2026

Medicare has multiple enrollment periods with different rules, and confusing them can leave beneficiaries locked into the wrong plan for months.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, during which beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change Part D plans.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31, but is more limited — beneficiaries can only switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.

Outside these windows, Special Enrollment Periods may apply for beneficiaries who move, lose employer coverage, or qualify for a Special Needs Plan. Understanding which enrollment period applies can save beneficiaries from costly mistakes.

View enrollment periods on Medicare.gov.

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Information medicare Medicare Advantage Medicare Plans

Explore your Medicare coverage options

Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage remains one of the most important decisions for new Medicare beneficiaries, and the tradeoffs have shifted in 2026.

Medigap plans offer predictable out-of-pocket costs and access to any Medicare provider nationwide, but premiums are higher and prescription drug coverage requires a separate Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage plans often feature low or zero premiums and include extra benefits like dental and vision, but provider networks are limited and prior authorization requirements can create care delays.

Financial planners recommend that beneficiaries who travel frequently or have complex medical needs consider Medigap, while those who prioritize low monthly costs and supplemental benefits may find Medicare Advantage more suitable.

Compare plans through Medicare.gov.

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Market Trends medicare Medicare Benefits & Services Medicare Plans Medicare Policy & Trends Medicare Updates & Policy

CMS Proposes Nearly Flat Medicare Advantage Payment Increase for 2027

Federal health officials have proposed only a small increase in payments to Medicare Advantage insurers for 2027. The modest proposed adjustment, far lower than in previous years, could impact plan benefits, premiums, and insurer participation as the government seeks to control federal healthcare spending.

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Medicare Advantage Medicare Plans Medicare Updates & Policy

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Tops 35 Million Beneficiaries

New data shows Medicare Advantage enrollment surpassed 35 million beneficiaries in early 2026. Much of the growth came from Special Needs Plans designed for individuals with chronic conditions or limited income. While the program continues to expand, analysts note that enrollment growth has slowed compared with previous years.

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medicare Medicare Plans

Some Medicare Plans May Exceed $50 Monthly Cap for Weight-Loss Drugs

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly recently warned that some Medicare drug plans may charge more than the expected $50 monthly cap for certain weight-loss medications. The issue highlights the complexity of how new drug pricing policies interact with Medicare prescription drug coverage. While reforms aim to reduce costs for seniors, experts say the rollout may vary depending on how insurers structure their formularies.

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medicare Medicare Plans

2026 Medicare Advantage Plans Reviewed

A group of senior men and women are outdoors in a park. They are doing exercise with lights dumbbells.

NerdWallet’s 2026 picks include UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, HealthSpring (formerly Cigna), Humana and Devoted Health. Via Nerdwallet