Medicare Annual Election Period — 2027

The Annual Election Period is open now. It runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, and 42 days remain in the window as of October 26, 2026.

During the Annual Election Period (also called Medicare Open Enrollment), anyone with Medicare can change Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for the coming year: switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, join a Part D plan, or change Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1.

The Annual Election Period does not change Medigap policies, and it is not a window to sign up for Part A or Part B for the first time. If your plan is not renewing for 2027, your plan-exit Special Enrollment Period runs from December 8 through the end of February, in addition to this window.

Start with the plan landscape for your state: Florida, Georgia, Texas. If you received an Annual Notice of Change letter from your plan, the changes in it are what this window lets you act on.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Medicare Annual Election Period?

The Annual Election Period runs October 15 through December 7 every year. Changes take effect January 1.

What can I change during the Annual Election Period?

You can switch Medicare Advantage plans, move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, and join or change a Part D prescription drug plan.

Can I change my Medigap policy during the Annual Election Period?

Medigap policies are not part of the Annual Election Period. Outside protected windows, changing a Medigap policy usually requires medical underwriting.

Researched and reviewed by Jordan Diaz, Licensed Insurance Agent, NPN 18910035, Senior Benefit Assistance. This page does not display plan data; the plan figures elsewhere in this section come from CMS’s published CY2027 Landscape Source File, data as of October 18, 2026. Last reviewed: October 26, 2026.