Choose your Medicare Advantage Plan During the Open Enrollment Period: Now – March 31, 2026
Understanding your Medicare coverage options and choosing a plan that meets your health care needs is an important part of maintaining your overall well‑being. To make this process easier, this webpage outlines key information and helpful resources so you can stay informed and confidently manage your care.
Medicare Enrollment: Dates to Know
Jan. 1 – March 31, 2026: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
If you have Medicare Advantage, you are allowed a one-time plan change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2026. During this window, you may switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or revert to Original (Traditional) Medicare. Any changes made between January and March will take effect on the first day of the month after your enrollment. For example, if you make a change on Feb. 15, your new coverage would begin on March 1.
Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026: Medicare Annual Enrollment
Anyone with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplements can change during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026. During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare plan if you wish.
Resources for Our Patients
If you want more information about your coverage options, visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare plans, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4427) or contact your local insurance agent.
ECU Health participates with the following Medicare plans:
What is the Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original/Traditional Medicare |
Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|
Government-owned |
Private insurance |
Part A covers hospital care. Part B covers medical/doctor appointments. Part D covers prescription and pharmacy benefits. |
Medicare Advantage is also known as “Medicare Part C” and includes Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. |
Visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare. |
You can see the physicians and hospitals in your plan’s network and service area. |
Rarely requires referrals. |
Prior authorizations are required before certain types of care can be delivered or paid for. |
Easier to get specialty care, like hospital visits, surgeries, and skilled nursing or rehabilitative care. |
Often requires prior approval for specialty care, which may result in delays in care and denials for payment. |
Some benefits like eye exams, routine dental, and hearing care are not covered. |
Some plans may cover benefits like vision, hearing and dental services. |
Medigap Supplement Insurance (Medigap) can cover 20% out-of-pocket costs. |
Out-of-pocket costs will vary. |
Separate premium for Medicare drug coverage (Part D). |
Most plans include Medicare drug coverage (Part D). |
There is no annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. |
There is an annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. |
Understanding My Medicare Card
When you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’ll get your Medicare card in the mail. If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll get your Medicare card in the mail three (3) months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of getting disability benefits. Your Medicare card shows that you have Medicare health insurance. It shows whether you have Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical) or both, and it shows the date your coverage starts. Listed below in an example of the new Medicare card.
- Name: Refers to who the insured person is (yourself only).
- Medicare Number: Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) are unique and randomly generated. (Your new Medicare card will no longer have your Social Security Number (SSN) listed.)
- Entitled: Indicates your level of coverage.
- Coverage starts: This date indicates how long you have been covered under the insurance plan.
- Insurance Contact Information: This information is likely on the back of your card and should include an address where we can mail your claim, as well as various phone numbers including Customer Service, that can help answer questions about your insurance.
Your card has a Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This helps to protect your identity.
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should keep and use it whenever you need care. And, if you have a Medicare drug plan, be sure to keep that card as well. Even if you use one of these other cards, you may also be asked to show your Medicare card, so keep it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial enrollment period spans three months preceding your 65th birthday, includes the month in which you turn 65, and concludes three months after your birth month, for a total of seven months. Individuals under the age of 65 may also qualify if they receive disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Change Period)
The Open Enrollment Period is Now – March 31. During the period of Jan. 1 – March 31 each year, you can change your selection only once.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage:
Annual enrollment is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 each year. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to Original Medicare, you can use the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period to make that switch. You can change plans as often as you’d like during this period.
Depending on which Medicare plan you want to enroll in, there are two different locations:
- Original Medicare
If you are 65 and older, you can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B on the Social Security website (SSA.gov/Medicare-sign-up) or call the Social Security Office Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 1-800-772-1213.
You can also call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. - Medicare Advantage
You can enroll at Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
Yes. Individuals with Medicare Advantage coverage have several opportunities to modify their plans.
A one-time change to Medicare Advantage coverage may be made during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. During this time, enrollees may switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or revert to Original Medicare. Changes submitted within this period take effect on the first day of the month following the enrollment month. For instance, if a change is made in February, coverage will commence on March 1.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to review and alter coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this timeframe, beneficiaries may adjust their Medicare plans as needed.
For assistance comparing Medicare plans, visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4427) or contact your local insurance agent.
Medigap supplemental plans assist patients with covering out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and additional costs. Please note that enrollment in these plans is separate and may require up to 30 days to become effective. Additionally, if you transition from a Medicare Advantage Plan, pre-existing conditions may influence the pricing of your Medigap policy.
Visit medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans to compare plans in your area.
For assistance comparing Medicare plans, visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4427) or contact your local insurance agent.
To learn more about Medicare Supplement plans, visit medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans to compare plans in your area.