What to check before October 15

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7. Changes you make then generally start January 1. The useful work happens before you open a plan list.

By Alan Blackwell, Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent 0M71640. Published September 26, 2026. Updated September 26, 2026.

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Read the notice your plan already sent

If you already have Medicare Advantage or Part D, the Annual Notice of Change says what is different for January 1: premium, drugs, doctors, and extras. Last year is not a promise. Read “Why that notice matters. ”

Write down the care you already use

List each doctor, the office address, the medical group, the hospital you would use, your prescriptions, and your pharmacy. The My Medicare Checkup has a line for each answer. Can I keep my doctor? shows what to do with those answers.

Then look at what plans are filed

Print the annual review checklist. The 2026 Medicare Advantage list shows every plan filed with CMS — not a recommendation. The Part D list shows California drug plans. Medicare.gov is where you check your doctors and prescriptions. This fall window has specific rules about what you can change. If you’re new to Medicare, your window may be different. Use Which enrollment window am I in?.

Common questions

Does October 15 apply to a Medicare Supplement?

No. Annual Enrollment is for Medicare Advantage and Part D. A Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) uses other windows, including Medigap Open Enrollment and, in California, the Birthday Rule if you already have a Medicare Supplement.

Will the plan list tell me the best plan?

No. It shows what the plans filed with CMS. Your doctors, drugs, and the notice from your current plan are the check. Medicare.gov has the complete list.

My Medicare Checkup

Answer a few questions about your ZIP code, what matters about cost and doctors, and where you get care. The list shows the questions and items those answers raise. Confirm each one on Medicare.gov, with the plan, and with the doctor’s office.

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You will get a personalized list of questions and items to verify before you make a coverage decision. You can also talk it through with Alan.

Where would you like to go next?

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