Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know for 2026

In this interview, Jae Oh discusses with Robert Powell, editor of finStream.tv, key considerations for Medicare Open Enrollment 2026, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

During this period, individuals can review and change their health or drug coverage for 2026. Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, notes that a significant change for 2026 is the reduction in Medicare Advantage plan options and the notably higher premiums for Part D prescription drug plans.

When evaluating Medicare plans, important factors to consider include:

Confirming your current doctor and preferred pharmacy are in the plan’s network.

Understanding the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.

Ensuring your specific medications are covered.

Oh emphasizes that reviewing your plan annually is critical, as relying on last year’s plan without checking for changes can be costly. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are annual contracts, meaning premiums, benefits, and provider networks can change every year.