Whether you’re entering Medicare for the first time, need to reevaluate your current coverage, or your living circumstances have changed and you are seeking new services your local Area Agency on Aging can help!
Benefits Counselors can assist you with unbiased comparisons and useful information. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th through December 7th and is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. Take action to make sure your coverage meets your needs in 2026!
- Dallas Area Agency on Aging or call 214-871-5065 to speak to a Benefits Counselor
- Tarrant County Area Agency on Aging or call 817-258-8125 to speak to a Benefits Counselor
- North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging or call 800-272-3921 to speak to a Benefits Counselor
To find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), visit elcare.acl.gov or call the Elder Care Locator at 800-677-1116
The changes you can make include:
- Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Plan or vice versa
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Enroll in, switch or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Make changes to your existing Medicare coverage
Open Enrollment Key Dates
September 2025
- The “2026 Medicare & You” Handbook is sent to every household with Medicare. View the Handbook online.
- Health and drug plans begin notifying enrollees about changes to their plans in 2026.
October 2025
- Individuals can begin shopping and comparing plans on Medicare.gov starting October 1, 2025.
- Individuals should watch their mail for notices from Medicare and their Medicare Advantage plan with information about changes in 2026.
- Medicare health and drug plan 2026 Star Ratings will be available on Medicare.gov on or around October 9, 2025.
- Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2025.
December 2025
- Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2025.
January 2026
- Medicare health and prescription drug plan coverage for 2026 begins January 1, 2026.
2026 Medicare Open Enrollment Resources
Medicare.gov provides clear, easy-to-use information as well as an updated Medicare Plan Finder that allows people with Medicare to compare their personalized options for health and drug coverage. Medicare Plan Finder will be updated with the 2026 Medicare health and prescription drug plan information by October 1, 2025.
1-800-MEDICARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide help. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048
Medicare Savings Programs
To help with their Medicare costs, low-income seniors and adults with disabilities may qualify to receive financial assistance from the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). The MSPs help millions of Americans access high-quality health care at a reduced cost, yet only about half of eligible people are enrolled. The MSPs help pay Medicare premiums and may also pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments if people meet the conditions of eligibility. Enrolling in an MSP reduces Medicare costs, helping people better afford other necessities like food, housing, or transportation. Learn more about MSPs.
You’ll apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state. When you apply, your state determines which program(s) you qualify for. Even if you don’t think you qualify, you should still apply.
Source: Medicare.gov
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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