2026 enrollment periods
| Period | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment (AEP) | Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2025 | Switch MA plans, join/drop Part D, return to Original Medicare |
| Medicare Advantage OEP | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | Switch MA plans or drop MA and return to Original Medicare (one change) |
| General Enrollment | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | Enroll in Part B if you missed your IEP (coverage starts July 1) |
| Part D Fall Open Enrollment | Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026 | Next opportunity to change Part D or MA plans for 2027 |
5 things to check before open enrollment
- Review your ANOC: Your plan mails an Annual Notice of Change each September. This shows what's changing for next year — premiums, copays, formulary, network.
- Check your drug formulary: Verify your medications are still covered and at what tier.
- Review your doctors: Confirm your providers are still in your plan's network.
- Compare total costs: Don't just compare premiums. Total annual cost = premiums + deductibles + expected copays/coinsurance.
- Talk to an agent: A licensed Medicare agent can run a side-by-side comparison of every plan in your county.
Colorado SHIP open enrollment events
The Colorado SHIP program holds free counseling events across the state during open enrollment. Call 1-888-696-7213 to find an event near you or schedule a one-on-one counseling session.