1. The Enrollment Window: Why These Dates Matter
From October 15 to December 7, you can:
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Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
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Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
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Change or add a Part D prescription-drug plan
Whatever choices you make will start January 1, 2026.
Tip: Even if you’re happy with your current plan, review it anyway. Many people discover small network or cost changes that hit their wallet in January.
2. A New Medicare Tool — and a Few Glitches
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a brand-new plan-finder tool this year, meant to make comparing Medicare Advantage plans easier. It’s designed to show which hospitals and doctors are in-network and how each plan covers your prescriptions.
The problem? Users have already found inaccuracies.
Some providers appear listed under plans they don’t actually take, and some drug information hasn’t updated correctly.
What you can do:
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Double-check directly with your doctors or pharmacists before switching plans.
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Take screenshots or notes of any conflicting info. If you pick a plan that turns out wrong, CMS may grant a special enrollment period to fix it.
It’s a great reminder: technology helps, but nothing replaces human confirmation.
