OPEN ENROLLMENT 2026!
What you should know, and what you should do for the 2026 Medicare and Health Insurance open enrollment season!
MEDICARE QUESTIONS
When is Medicare Open Enrollment? (Annual Election Period)
Each year, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), also known by some as Medicare open enrollment, begins October 15th, with the last day to make changes being December 7th. During this time you may enroll, disenroll, and make changes to Medicare Advantage, and Medicare prescription drug plans. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1st of the following year. Outside of AEP, there are limitations for changes, modifications, and enrollment into and out of certain Medicare coverage options.
I'm new to Medicare, and this is my first open enrollment, what do I do?
It's Medicare Open Enrollment, what do I do?
What do I do for Medicare Open Enrollment or Medicare season?
Each year, the process you used to select a plan when you first began Medicare coverage is similar to the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), also called "open enrollment." If you selected a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD), you will meet with your Medicare agent and they should compare your needs against available options and help you with questions you may have when making your Medicare choices.
If you do not have an agent to assist you, here at Arizona Health, Life, and Medicare we specialize in assisting clients with Medicare. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you!
If you are covered under a Medigap Plan, also called a Medicare Supplement plan - that plan does not change unless you decide it no longer fits your needs, including potential financial constraints. If you feel like your Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan no longer fits you, or has become financially unsustainable you can contact your certified Medicare insurance agent to help you review 2027 coverage options. If you do not have a Medicare agent contact us today, and we are happy to assist you!
If you are covered by a Part-D, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), these plans change annually, similar to the MAPD plans, and should be reviewed annually by your Medicare agent.
Do I need, or must have a Medicare agent?
You do not need, nor do you have to have a Medicare agent assist you with coverage and information. However, we always recommend working with a certified Medicare Insurance agent whom has completed the required annual Medicare training to help you review annual changes and modifications to coverage plans. If you live in Arizona and do not have a Medicare agent, and would like assistance with your 2027 Medicare coverage, please contact us, and we will be happy to help you navigate coverage and changes for the upcoming year.
How do I find a Medicare agent?
You can find local Medicare agents through Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-Medicare, and of course by using regular internet search engines.
If you are in need of a Medicare Insurance Agent in Arizona, please contact us today, and we are more than happy to help you with Medicare and Health Insurance needs.
How do I know which Medicare plan is right for me?
Choosing a Medicare plan on your own can be a lot simply because of the amount of information that is published and advertised on nearly all media outlets. There is no single answer for which plan is right because the needs of each person is different, with some being more complex than others. This is where finding a certified Medicare Agent to help you navigate questions, concerns, needs, and clarifying the mass information you have likely received by mail, email, and possibly by phone/text. If you are in Arizona and do not have a Medicare agent, and you would like assistance with choosing coverage for 2027, please contact us today, and we will be more than happy to help you!
MARKETPLACE ACA HEALTHCARE.GOV QUESTIONS
When is the Marketplace Health Insurance, Affordable Care Act open enrollment?
Each year the open enrollment period for people covered under an Affordable Care Act, Marketplace.gov insurance plan begins November 1st, with the last day of enrollment being December 15th.
During the open enrollment period you may review plans and coverage options for next year, with any changes being effective January 1st.
If you do not have a health insurance agent and would like someone to help you review 2027 plan options, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you. For individuals who are familiar the Marketplace and insurance, and would like to enroll or make changes on their own you may use THIS LINK to complete your application and enrollment. By using the enrollment link, Arizona Health, Life, and Medicare will be assigned as your agent, which allows us to help you if circumstances arise that you need assistance from us.
What do I do for Health Insurance open enrollment?
How do I check next year's insurance plans?
This is my first health insurance open enrollment, what do I do?
During health insurance Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, Marketplace.gov plans, you may review plan and coverage options for the following year. This includes verifying your doctors are in-network, and any prescriptions you may take are covered under next year's plans. Each year you will submit a new enrollment application which lists your personal and income information to help determine premium tax credit eligibility. Once the application is complete you will know if a monthly credit is available to assist with your monthly premium, and that credit amount will be displayed in your eligibility results, and reflected in the plan premiums listed in the Marketplace enrollment platform. Take your time to review plan options, coverage, premium, and plan details relevant to your needs. Once you've identified the plan you want, simply submit your enrollment with the selected plan and make your first-month's premium payment BEFORE the end of December.
If you do not have an insurance agent to assist you with enrollment, and you would like someone to help you navigate the application and enrollment, please contact us, or may use THIS LINK to complete your application that connects you to Arizona Health, Life, and Medicare Insurance Agency allowing us to assist you during the selection process and throughout the plan year if you have any issues or questions.