Medicare open enrollment begins: What are the deadlines to choose a new plan?

Medicare open enrollment: What to know

Medicare open enrollment is now underway as major insurance companies are exiting the Medicare Advantage Market in 2026. FOX 9's Soyoung Kim has the details.

(FOX 9) - Medicare open enrollment begins on Wednesday, meaning Medicare Advantage members who are losing their plans next year can now start choosing new plans.

Insurers dropping Medicare Advantage

Medicare open enrollment begins: What to know

Medicare open enrollment begins on Wednesday, meaning Medicare Advantage customers who are losing their plans next year can now start choosing new plans.

The backstory:

Several major insurers announced in recent weeks plans to scale back Medicare Advantage coverage in Minnesota and beyond.

UCare announced in September it would drop Medicare Advantage coverage entirely. UnitedHealthcare said it would reduce coverage from 72 counties in Minnesota to 27 counties. HealthPartners and Aetna also announced changes for Medicare customers. The changes are expected to impact 150,000 people.

People who lose Medicare Advantage will still retain standard Medicare coverage, but will lose the benefits that come with Medicare Advantage.

The companies blamed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid at the federal level that began in 2024.

Medicare Advantage deadlines

Medicare Advantage changes coming in 2026: Your questions answered

Kelli Jo Greiner, the Medicare product manager at the Minnesota Board on Aging, joined FOX 9 All Day to discuss the changes coming to those who use Medicare Advantage in Minnesota.

Big picture view:

If you are losing Advantage coverage in 2026, you should have been notified by your insurer. If you aren't sure if you are losing your plan, you can call your insurer and confirm.

You can visit Medicare's website to look at new plans and make a choice. If you need help, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance. You can also try the Minnesota Aging Pathways for free help at 800-333-2433.

What's next:

You do have some time to determine the best plan for you. Open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. People who enroll by Dec. 7 will have Medicare Advantage coverage starting Jan. 1.

Even then, current Medicare Advantage enrollees have a grace period to switch plans. You will still be able to enroll in new plans between Jan. 1 and March 31. Coverage will take effect starting the month after you enroll (ie: if you select a plan in January, coverage starts Feb. 1).

• Oct. 15 through Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment. You can join, drop, switch Medicare plans during this period.
• Jan. 1 through March 31: Medicare Advantage extended enrollment. People who already have Medicare Advantage plans can still choose new plans during this period. Coverage would start the following month after enrollment.