Key Dates for 2027 Coverage:
- October 15 – December 7, 2026 — Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2027 coverage.
- January 1, 2027 — All changes take effect.
- January 1 – March 31, 2027 — Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), allowing one plan switch or return to Original Medicare.
What you can do during AEP
- Switch Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
- Move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
- Join, drop, or change a Part D prescription drug plan.
- Make multiple changes — only the last one submitted by December 7, 2026 counts.
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period marks the time of year you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Health Plan or prescription drug plan. For 2026, Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, with any changes taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Learn more about open enrollment periods and how to get started on the official Medicare.gov Joining a Health or Drug Plan page.
There are different types of Medicare health plans, and some have distinct enrollment timelines. For example, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period takes place each year from January 1 – March 31, allowing individuals already in a Medicare Advantage plan to switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare.
There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) available for folks experiencing unique life circumstances. For example, if you relocate to a new address, lose your current health coverage, or experience other qualifying life events, you may be eligible to make changes outside the standard window.
Official Open Enrollment Flyers & Resources
Need a handy guide to print or share? You can review or download the official Dallas Area Agency on Aging informational flyer below—available in both English and Spanish—detailing required documents, timelines, and local office contact details:
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Want to talk to someone?
You can get free, unbiased counseling and assistance by reaching out to your local area agency on aging or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):
- Call 211 and ask to speak to a Benefits Counselor at your local area agency on aging.
- Dallas County: 214-871-5065 or 800-252-9240
- North Central Texas: 800-272-3921 (Counties surrounding the DFW Metroplex)
- Tarrant County: 817-258-8125
Prefer to chat with a Medicare.gov counselor?
You can access personalized support and manage your coverage details online:
Visit the Medicare.gov Account Login and Support Portal to sign in or set up a secure account.
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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