2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment: Key Insurance Plan Transition Protocols

The 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), running from October 15 to December 7, allows beneficiaries to select health and prescription drug coverage options effective January 1, 2026. For individuals with Medicare combined with Medicare Supplement and standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), enrolling in a new PDP automatically cancels the current plan as of December 31, 2025. Enrollment can be completed via Medicare.gov, insurance company websites, brokers, or phone.\n\nMedicare Advantage (MA) plan holders, including HMO, PPO, or HMO-POS plans with or without drug coverage, experience similar automatic cancellation of their old plans upon enrolling in a new plan. Enrollment methods mirror those for PDPs, simplifying the transition process. However, PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service) plans, which don’t typically include drug coverage, require separate considerations, as enrolling in a new PDP does not affect the PFFS. Switching from PFFS to Medicare Advantage cancels both the PFFS and any existing PDP.\n\nMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do not include drug coverage and operate under a different set of rules. In states like New York, Medigap plans can be changed at any time by contacting the insurer and coordinating cancellation of the previous policy to align with the new coverage start date. These changes do not automatically affect prescription drug plans, and separate steps are necessary to modify PDPs.\n\nImportantly, beneficiaries should avoid duplicative coverage by holding Medicare Advantage plans alongside Medigap, as these plans are not designed to work together. Transitioning between plan types involves specific enrollment and cancellation sequences to ensure seamless coverage without overlap or gaps.\n\nThis guidance clarifies the critical administrative steps Medicare beneficiaries must take during the annual enrollment period to maintain appropriate coverage tailored to their healthcare needs. The article underscores the operational intricacies and procedural compliance required in managing Medicare-related insurance transitions, emphasizing the importance of timing and coordination for policyholders and insurance providers alike.