Stay Updated on Medicare Changes
Your personalized hub for Medicare news, updates, and important deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- • Medicare policies change annually—staying informed helps you avoid missed enrollment deadlines and cost surprises
- • Use our Medicare 101 hub, news feed, and 2026 roadmap to track updates on costs, coverage, and rule changes
- • Subscribe to guides and alerts tailored to your Medicare path (Advantage, Medigap, or IRMAA planning)
Why Staying Informed Matters
Medicare policies, costs, and coverage options change every year. Staying informed helps you make better decisions during Open Enrollment, avoid missed deadlines, and take advantage of new benefits or cost-saving opportunities.
Your Information Resources
Medicare News & Updates
Our news feed covers the latest Medicare policy changes, cost updates, enrollment reminders, and important announcements that affect your coverage.
Recent Topics:
- • 2026 Medicare cost adjustments
- • IRMAA bracket updates
- • Open Enrollment deadlines
- • Part D coverage changes
- • Medicare Advantage plan updates
Medicare 101 Learning Hub
Our comprehensive guides help you understand Medicare basics, enrollment periods, costs, coverage options, and how different parts work together.
Explore Medicare 101Important Dates & Deadlines
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 - December 7
Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Part D plans
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
January 1 - March 31
Medicare Advantage members can switch plans or return to Original Medicare
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
3 months before through 3 months after turning 65
Medicare Encyclopedia
Search our comprehensive A-Z glossary for clear definitions and explanations of Medicare terminology, policies, and coverage details.
Browse EncyclopediaTips for Staying Informed
- •Check our news feed monthly for updates
- •Review your Medicare options every fall during Annual Enrollment
- •Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your plan
- •Visit Medicare.gov for official updates directly from CMS
- •Use our tools to calculate how changes might affect your costs
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying Informed
How often does Medicare change?
Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coverage rules change annually. Major policy updates typically happen every few years. The Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) is when most changes take effect for the following year. Check our 2026 roadmap for upcoming changes.
What's the best way to track Medicare news?
Bookmark our Medicare news feed for curated updates in plain English. You can also subscribe to Medicare.gov newsletters or contact your state SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for personalized guidance.
Will I be notified if my plan changes?
Yes. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans must send Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters by September 30 each year, detailing cost and coverage changes for the next year. Review these carefully during Open Enrollment to decide if you should switch plans.
Where can I find official Medicare information?
Medicare.gov is the official source. For unbiased local help, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your state's SHIP program. Our Medicare encyclopedia and Medicare 101 hub translate official rules into plain language.
What should I do if I miss an enrollment deadline?
Contact Medicare immediately at 1-800-MEDICARE. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Late enrollment can result in penalties, so act quickly. Review our enrollment timeline to understand deadlines and avoid future gaps.