Medicare Annual Enrollment 2026: What Southern Utah Residents Should Know

If you have Medicare, there's one stretch of the year when you can step back and ask: does my plan still fit? That window is Annual Enrollment, and in 2026 it runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes you make take effect January 1.

Why a yearly review is worth it

Medicare plans can change every year. Premiums, drug lists, provider networks, and benefits may look different from one plan year to the next, even when your plan's name stays the same. A quick check now can help you avoid surprises in January.

Start with your Annual Notice of Change

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are required to send members an Annual Notice of Change by September 30. It summarizes what is changing for next year. If you received one, read it, or set it aside and bring it to your review. If you haven't seen it, check your mail and your plan's online account.

Questions worth asking yourself

• Have my prescriptions changed, or are my current medications still covered?
• Are my doctors, specialists, and pharmacy still in my plan's network?
• Have I moved, or do I plan to? Available plans can differ by location.
• Has my health, or my budget, changed since I chose this plan?
• Did my plan tell me about changes I'm not comfortable with?

What you can do during Annual Enrollment

Depending on your situation, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan. You don't have to change anything. If your plan still works for you, you can keep it.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work a little differently. They aren't tied to Annual Enrollment, and switching isn't always guaranteed, so it helps to talk through your options before making a change.

Another chance in the new year

If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, there's a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. During that time you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. It isn't a second chance to join Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare, so it's still worth reviewing your plan before December 7.

What to bring to a plan review

• Your Annual Notice of Change, if you have it
• Your Medicare card and current plan card
• A list of your medications and dosages
• Your doctors, specialists, pharmacy, and the hospitals you use

Want a second set of eyes?

We offer free Medicare plan reviews. We'll compare options from the carriers we represent, check your doctors and prescriptions, and explain what we find in plain English. There's no cost and no obligation, and you decide what to do.

Plan your Annual Enrollment review →

Want the basics first? Our guides explain Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D drug plans, and turning 65. We also serve Cedar City and St. George.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent multiple organizations which offer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Reviewed by Adam T. Walsh, licensed insurance agent (UT License #1057754 · NPN #21425500). Last updated October 4, 2026.