How the December Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline Impacts Your 2026 Coverage: What You Must Do Now

The December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment deadline is critical because any changes you make to your Medicare coverage during this period will directly impact your benefits and costs for the entire 2026 plan year. Missing this deadline can leave you locked into your current plan—even if better options are available—until the next enrollment window.

Every year, Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. This is your only opportunity to review, change, or update your Medicare health and drug coverage for the upcoming year. Any changes you make during this window become effective on January 1, 2026.

If you miss the December 7 deadline, you generally cannot make changes until the next Open Enrollment period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to specific life events.

During this period, you have several important options:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
• Change your Medicare Advantage plan
• Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
• Add or change Medigap plans in Connecticut, if eligible

For Connecticut residents, this is also the time to review your Medigap plans Connecticut options. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) helps cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as deductibles and copayments.

• Coverage Changes Take Effect January 1, 2026: Any plan changes you make by December 7 will start at the beginning of the new year.
• Locked-In Choices: If you do not act, your current coverage will automatically renew, which may not be the best fit if your health needs or plan costs have changed.
• Potential Cost Increases: Medicare costs are rising in 2026, so reviewing your options could help you save money or find better coverage.

• Review Your Current Coverage: Examine your Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage documents to understand how your current plan will change in 2026.
• Compare Plans: Use Medicare’s Plan Finder or consult with a licensed agent at CT Insurance Agency to compare available options, including Medigap plans in Connecticut.
• Check Provider Networks and Drug Formularies: Ensure your preferred doctors and medications are covered under your chosen plan.
• Act Before December 7: Submit your enrollment changes by the deadline to avoid being locked into your current plan for another year.

• Medigap plans Connecticut can only be added or changed at certain times, so Open Enrollment is a key opportunity to adjust your supplemental coverage.
• Connecticut offers unique protections and options for Medigap enrollees, making it especially important to review your choices annually.

CT Insurance Agency specializes in helping Connecticut residents navigate Medicare Open Enrollment and select the right Medigap plans for their needs. Contact us today to schedule a personalized review and ensure your 2026 coverage is optimized.

Don’t wait—review your Medicare and Medigap options now to secure the best coverage for 2026.