Don’t Miss 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment: Act Now

By Brett Gottlieb

Medicare open enrollment is here, and it’s your chance to take a fresh look at your coverage and make any necessary updates. With so many plan options, it can feel overwhelming, but reviewing your plan is a key step in keeping your healthcare and finances on track.

I put together this article to walk you through what’s important for Medicare 2026, to help you feel more confident that your plan matches both your health needs and financial goals.

What You Can Do During Open Enrollment

Let’s start by talking about how open enrollment works.

Every year, Medicare main open enrollment is from October 15 to December 7. During this period, you can change your Medicare health plan(s) and prescription drug coverage for the following year.

Keep in mind that open enrollment is not for people who haven’t signed up for Medicare yet. If that’s you, the initial enrollment period is determined by your birthday rather than a predetermined day on the calendar.

The open enrollment period affects each Medicare part differently. Here’s what you can do with each part during open enrollment:

• If you currently subscribe to Medicare Parts A & B, you can switch to Part C.
• If you currently subscribe to Medicare Part C, you can switch back to original Medicare (parts A and B) or change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.
• If you currently subscribe to Medicare Part D, you can switch to a different Part D plan or drop your prescription drug plan altogether.
• You can enroll for the first time in Part C or Part D.

If you don’t make any changes during open enrollment, your current coverage remains the same and rolls over to the following year.

Changes to 2026 Medicare Coverage

Below, I identify three of the bigger changes and coverage for Medicare in 2026. Now is the time to compare your plans and make any necessary adjustments during open enrollment. With significant changes on the horizon, there may be a plan that better fits your needs.

1. $2,100 out-of-pocket spending cap for prescriptions. The first major change you need to know about is that Part D (prescription drug coverage) caps out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs at $2,100 per year. This limit applies to prescription coverage in Medicare Advantage plans as well as standalone Part D insurance. For approved medications, the $2,100 cap covers coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. It doesn’t apply to meds that aren’t covered by a plan or premiums.
2. Vaccines and insulin could be more affordable. Starting in 2026, all vaccines on the current CDC-recommended vaccines will be free under Part D with zero cost-sharing through 2026, despite changes occurring under the current CDC administration. If you require regular insulin, monthly costs will be hard-capped at $35 or 25% of the negotiated or “maximum fair price” (set by the Price Negotiated Program), whichever is lower.
3. Increasing premiums for Part B and Part D. On the downside, Medicare recipients will see a substantial 11% increase to their Part B base premiums in 2026. Part B base premiums will rise from $185 in 2025 to $206.50 per month, while the Part D initial base premium is expected to increase by 6% from $36.78 to just about $39 per month. It’s important to note that Part D plans are offered by private companies who may not have set next year’s premiums yet, so your actual Plan D premium could be higher or lower. Some Part D plans have $0 premiums, so it may pay to shop around.

We Can Help With Medicare 2026 Enrollment

Navigating Medicare 2026 open enrollment can feel daunting. The choices you make now can have a lasting impact on your retirement finances, and it’s easy to feel unsure about which plan is right for you.

At Comprehensive Advisor, we guide our clients through the entire process, helping them understand their options and select a plan that aligns with their financial goals. As a financial advisor, my focus is on empowering clients to make confident, informed decisions that support what matters most to them. Even as markets, the economy, or policy changes create uncertainty, I provide the guidance and experience needed to help keep your financial priorities on track.

To learn more about how we support clients during Medicare 2026 open enrollment or if you have questions about your retirement plan, email us at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com or call (760) 813-2125.

About Our Advisors

Brett Gottlieb is the founder of Comprehensive Advisor and a financial advisor with nearly two decades of industry experience. He graduated from California State University-Chico with two bachelor’s degrees, in business administration and economics, and is Life Insurance licensed in several states. He is passionate about guiding his clients on retirement income planning, helping each client pursue their specific retirement goals, and defending the assets his clients have worked so hard to achieve. Brett is a California native and currently resides in San Elijo Hills with his beautiful wife and three children.

Our team of qualified professionals have experience in the financial service industry, and our advisors hail from some of the largest independent broker/dealers and banking institutions in the country. They have dedicated their professional careers to creating personalized financial strategies for individuals and families who seek successful retirement planning and currently offer investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management, LLC. Our advisors take a common-sense approach to the planning process and work with clients to create a comprehensive retirement roadmap to help ensure their assets are preserved and they receive the income needed to enjoy their future. Based in Carlsbad, California, they work with clients throughout San Diego County and beyond. Learn more by connecting with Brett on LinkedIn or email them at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com.

Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products are offered through the insurance business C.A. Financial & Insurance Services. Comprehensive Advisor, LLC is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by C.A. Financial & Insurance Services are not subject to investment Advisor requirements. CA Ins. Lic. #6000262.  We do not offer every plan available in your area. 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 of your options. Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply. Plans purchased after initial enrollment period are subject to eligibility requirements.

We are not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. By contacting us, you will be connected with a licensed insurance agent. 3321283 – 10/25