Medicare's annual Open Enrollment Period begins October 15, 2026, and ends December 7. For Western North Carolina residents already enrolled in Medicare, this is the annual opportunity to review health and prescription drug coverage and make certain changes for the year ahead.

Mark the deadline: December 7

Any qualifying plan change made during the October 15 through December 7 window generally takes effect January 1, 2027. A plan must receive the enrollment request by December 7. Waiting until the last day can leave little time to compare options or ask questions.

What can you change?

People with Medicare Advantage can generally switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. People with Original Medicare may be able to join, drop or switch a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Eligible beneficiaries can also switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, often called Medigap, works differently. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare does not automatically guarantee that a person can buy every Medigap policy. Eligibility, timing and underwriting rules can matter, so investigate supplement coverage before making a change.

Check what is changing in 2027

Review the Annual Notice of Change sent by your current plan. It explains adjustments that may affect premiums, deductibles, covered prescriptions and other benefits starting in January.

Make a list of your medications, preferred pharmacies, doctors and specialists. Compare each plan's provider network, drug formulary, copayments and estimated yearly costs. A low monthly premium may not mean the lowest overall cost for someone who needs regular appointments or expensive prescriptions.

Use Medicare's plan comparison tool

Medicare's official Plan Finder at Medicare.gov/plan-compare allows you to compare 2027 health and prescription drug plans by ZIP code. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.

Free, unbiased help in Western North Carolina

North Carolina's Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, known as SHIIP, provides free, impartial Medicare counseling. SHIIP counselors are available through local community partners in every North Carolina county, including Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Transylvania and other western counties.

Call SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to ask questions or find a local counseling appointment. Counselors do not sell or endorse insurance plans.

A reminder for people turning 65

The fall Open Enrollment Period is mainly for people who already have Medicare and want to review or change certain coverage. First-time Medicare enrollment in Part A or Part B follows separate initial, general or special enrollment rules. Someone approaching 65 should check their personal eligibility timeline rather than assume December 7 is their first enrollment deadline.

Don't overlook fraud prevention

During enrollment season, unsolicited calls, messages and sales pitches can be confusing. Do not give out a Medicare number or personal financial information to an unknown caller. Use Medicare.gov, the plan's verified contact information or a SHIIP counselor when you need help.

Take one useful step this week

Set aside your Annual Notice of Change, update your medication list and compare 2027 options before December 7. Even people who are satisfied with their current plan can benefit from checking whether coverage, participating doctors or medication costs are changing.