Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Key Dates & Cost-Saving Programs

Key Dates for Medicare Open Enrollment 2026

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. During this window, anyone with Medicare can:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Change their Part D prescription drug plan
• Move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

December 7 is the hard deadline. Any plan change made by that date takes effect January 1, 2027. If you miss the window, you generally must wait until the next enrollment period to make changes.

In late September, your current plan will mail you an Annual Notice of Change. Read it carefully. It lists any changes to premiums, copays, covered drugs, and provider networks for the coming year. This notice is your starting point for deciding whether to stay with your current plan or shop for a new one.

Medicare Savings Programs: Help With Premiums and More

Medicare Savings Programs are government programs that help pay Medicare costs for people with limited income. There are three main tiers:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) QMB is the most generous tier. It pays your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If you qualify, you should not be billed for any Medicare-covered service. The federal monthly income limit for 2026 is about $1,350 for one person and $1,824 for a couple.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) SLMB pays your Part B premium — about $202.90 a month, or roughly $2,435 a year — if your income is above the QMB limit but below 120% of the federal poverty level.

Qualifying Individual (QI) QI also pays the Part B premium at the same rate as SLMB, but covers people whose income falls between 120% and 135% of the federal poverty level. The 2026 monthly income limit is about $1,816 for one person and $2,455 for a couple. QI funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year, so applying early matters.

Savings (asset) limits for 2026 are about $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple — but many states set higher limits or have no asset test at all. Even if your income or savings seem too high, it is worth checking your state's rules. Applications go to your state Medicaid office.

Millions of eligible Americans are not enrolled in these programs. Fall is a natural time to check, since people are already reviewing their Medicare costs.

Extra Help: Lower Your Drug Costs Under Part D

Extra Help — also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) — reduces what you pay for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. It can:

• Pay your Part D plan premium
• Cap copays at just a few dollars per prescription
• Eliminate the coverage gap (sometimes called the "donut hole")

The Social Security Administration estimates Extra Help is worth about $5,300 a year for people who qualify.

For 2026, the income limit is about $1,956 a month for one person ($2,644 for a couple). The savings limit is about $18,090 for one person ($36,100 for a couple).

Extra Help is often bundled with QMB, SLMB, or QI, but you can apply for it on its own. Applications go through the Social Security Administration. Like the Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help is available year-round — the December 7 Open Enrollment deadline does not apply to it.

Free Medicare Counseling Through SHIP

Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that offers free, one-on-one Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors are trained volunteers and staff — not salespeople, and not paid on commission.

A SHIP counselor can help you:

• Compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, and Medigap (supplemental) policies
• Understand enrollment deadlines and avoid late-enrollment penalties
• Sort out a denied claim or file an appeal
• Check whether you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help

There is no income test to use SHIP. The service is always free, and it is available to anyone with Medicare and to their family members and caregivers.

A Practical Fall Checklist

Use these steps to make the most of Open Enrollment season:

1. Read your Annual Notice of Change when it arrives in late September. Note any cost or coverage changes.
2. Compare plans for next year — ideally with a free SHIP counselor who can walk you through the options side by side.
3. Check for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. Even if you applied before and were denied, income and asset limits change each year.
4. Watch out for scams. No legitimate organization needs your Medicare number to tell you about plans. Applying for savings programs is always free through the official agency.

Remember: if you miss December 7, you can still apply for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help at any time of year. Confirm all eligibility details with your state Medicaid office or the Social Security Administration, as the agency makes the final determination.