Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment:
February 2026 Update

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and having second thoughts, you're in luck. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs through March 31, 2026, giving you one more chance to switch plans or return to Original Medicare.

What's New in February 2026?

Recent developments affecting Medicare Advantage beneficiaries:

• 2027 Rate Proposal: CMS proposed nearly flat payment rates for 2027 — up just 0.9% from 2026 levels, representing approximately $700 million in total payments to plans.
• Tighter Risk Adjustment: The agency is cracking down on Medicare Advantage "upcoding" practices where plans inflate patient diagnoses to receive higher reimbursements.
• UnitedHealth Pullback: The nation's largest Medicare Advantage insurer announced it's scaling back operations and revising enrollment forecasts amid increased regulatory scrutiny.
• Dental Benefits Oversight: The American Dental Association has urged CMS to maintain strong oversight of Medicare Advantage supplemental dental benefits to ensure transparency and access.

Who Can Make Changes During OEP?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31 annually) is available only if you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this window, you can:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
• Add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan (if returning to Original Medicare)

Important: You can only make one change during OEP. Choose carefully!

Why Are Seniors Switching Plans?

Common reasons for making changes during OEP:

• Network Changes: Your doctors or preferred hospitals left the plan's network
• Prescription Coverage: Your medications are no longer covered or moved to a higher tier
• Premium Increases: Your monthly costs went up significantly for 2026
• Service Dissatisfaction: Poor customer service, claim denials, or prior authorization hassles
• Benefit Reductions: Dental, vision, or other supplemental benefits were cut

How to Switch Plans

1. Review Your Current Plan: Check what changed in 2026 — premiums, deductibles, copays, networks, and drug formularies.
2. Compare Alternatives: Use the official Medicare Plan Finder to explore other options in your area.
3. Check Networks: Confirm your doctors, specialists, and preferred pharmacies are in-network before switching.
4. Enroll: Call the plan directly, enroll online through Medicare.gov, or contact a licensed insurance agent.

What Happens After March 31?

Once OEP ends on March 31, 2026, you're generally locked into your Medicare Advantage plan until the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7, 2026) — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to:

• Moving to a new service area
• Losing employer coverage
• Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help
• The plan leaving Medicare or ending service in your area

Looking Ahead: 2027 Rate Impact

The proposed 0.9% rate increase for 2027 is significantly lower than recent years, which could mean:

• Smaller premium reductions or potential increases
• Fewer supplemental benefits (dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances)
• Some plans exiting certain markets
• Stricter prior authorization requirements

Insurers have until February 25 to submit comments, and CMS will release final rates on April 6, 2026. Plans then have until June to finalize their 2027 benefit designs.

Bottom Line

If you're unhappy with your current Medicare Advantage plan, act before March 31, 2026. This is your last chance to make changes until fall. Take time to compare options, check provider networks, and calculate total costs based on your expected healthcare use.

Questions about your plan? Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free, unbiased guidance.