The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is officially here—running from October 15 to December 7. This is your once-a-year opportunity to change, update, or fine-tune your Medicare coverage for 2026. And by now, you should have received your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
That document outlines important changes to your plan’s premiums, copays, benefits, drug coverage, and network. Even if you’re happy with your plan, those changes could mean it’s no longer the best fit for your needs next year.
So how do you know if you should switch? Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Have my health needs changed this year?
- Did my doctor or specialist leave my plan’s network?
- Have my prescriptions changed—or did the plan change how it covers them?
- Am I satisfied with what I’m paying at the doctor or pharmacy?
Even small shifts in your medication list or your plan’s drug formulary can make a big difference in your total yearly costs. And network changes—especially with doctors or hospitals—can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket bills if not reviewed in time.
Plans also update their extra benefits each year. Some 2026 Medicare Advantage plans are expanding dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and even over-the-counter allowances. Others are trimming benefits or increasing copays to adjust for rising costs.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone. A licensed Medicare advisor can walk you through your ANOC, compare plans side-by-side, and help you determine if a switch makes sense for your budget and lifestyle.
At 3G Health Insurance Services, I help clients across California and beyond make confident, informed decisions during AEP—with no cost for my help. Whether it’s exploring new options or confirming that your current plan still fits, let’s make sure 2026 is your best year yet.
But don’t wait—December 7 is the deadline. After that, most changes will have to wait another year.
Helping Seniors Thrive After 65
949.529.7123 / 3GInsuranceServices.com / #0L87403
30320 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 4, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
📍 Based in San Juan Capistrano, Serving California and Beyond
