Medicare Open Enrollment checklist (before Dec 7)

A one-page checklist for Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7). Changes you make by December 7 take effect January 1. Print it, check each box, and confirm current numbers on the linked official pages.

Note: Not financial advice. General information only; check your own situation or ask a qualified professional. Not medical advice.

Compare plans on Medicare.gov

1. Know the Open Enrollment window

Confirm today is still on or before December 7. Open Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7; the plan must get your enrollment request by December 7. (Medicare.gov Open Enrollment)
Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change / Evidence of Coverage for next year, then compare options at Medicare.gov/plan-compare.
Decide whether to keep your plan, switch Medicare Advantage, switch or join a Part D drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. (Full tip)

2. Check the 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap

When comparing drug plans, look at deductible, coinsurance, and whether your drugs are covered. For 2026, once out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs reaches $2,100 ($2,400 in 2027), you pay nothing more for covered drugs that calendar year; plan deductibles can’t exceed $615 in 2026. (Medicare.gov Part D costs; Full tip)

3. Check whether IRMAA could raise your premiums

Review SSA’s income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) brackets. For 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90; higher premiums apply above $109,000 MAGI (individual) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), usually based on the tax return from two years earlier. (SSA Medicare premiums; Full tip)
If income dropped after a life-changing event (for example stopping work), ask SSA for a new decision with Form SSA-44.

4. Book the yearly Wellness visit (Part B)

If you have Part B, schedule the yearly Wellness visit to update your personal prevention plan. Covered once every 12 months; you pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment (extra tests in the same visit may cost you). Your first one can’t be within 12 months of enrolling in Part B or of your Welcome to Medicare visit. (Medicare.gov Yearly Wellness visits; Full tip)

5. Guard your Medicare number

Remember: Medicare will never call to sell you anything or visit your home. Don’t give your Medicare or Social Security number to cold callers or door-to-door visitors. Don’t join a plan over the phone unless you made the call. (Medicare.gov fraud & abuse; Full tip)
Create or use a Medicare.gov account to review Original Medicare claims as they process, and report suspected fraud at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

6. If you’re turning 65: know your Initial Enrollment Period

Your first Medicare sign-up window starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. Missing it can mean waiting and a Part B late-enrollment penalty. Job-based coverage has special rules—check before you delay. (Medicare.gov when coverage starts; Full tip)

Related Practical Wins tips

Figures above were checked against Medicare.gov and SSA pages on Nov 9, 2026. Limits and premiums can change—always confirm on the official source before you act.