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Medicare Annual Enrollment 2026: How to Avoid Scams and Protect Your Coverage

Every fall, millions of Americans on Medicare find themselves flooded with mailers, phone calls, and TV ads. That’s because from October 15 through December 7, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is open.

It’s the time when you can review your current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. It’s also, unfortunately, the time when scammers come out in full force.

So how do you protect yourself, your health, and your wallet during this busy season? Let’s walk through it step by step.

Why AEP Matters

Think of AEP as your once-a-year opportunity to make sure your Medicare plan still fits your life. During this window you can:

  • Change your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan,
  • Enroll in or switch prescription drug (Part D) plans,
  • Return to Original Medicare if your Advantage plan no longer works for you.

If you don’t take action, your current plan usually rolls over – but it may come with new costs, different drug coverage, or your doctor may no longer be in-network.

That’s why reviewing your coverage every year is so important.

Medicare Will Never…

To avoid confusion, it helps to remember what Medicare itself will never do:

  • Medicare will never call you for a plan review.
  • Medicare will never call and say that you will lose your coverage if you don’t take action.
  • Medicare communicates only by regular mail. If you are losing your Part A or Part B, you will receive an official letter. Or if your plan is terminating or leaving your service area – they will also send you an email or letter in the mail, but they are unlikely to call you about it.
  • Medicare does not advertise Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. All advertising for those comes from private insurance companies, call centers and brokers.

If you receive a phone call or ad that claims to be from “Medicare” and it includes plan marketing, you can be certain it is not legitimate.

Reduce Unwanted Calls: Use the Do Not Call Registry

One of the best ways to cut down on spam calls is to register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Many people see an immediate drop of 50% in unsolicited calls after signing up.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to www.donotcall.gov
  2. Click “Register Your Phone.”
  3. Enter your phone number and email address.
  4. Confirm your registration by clicking the email link you’ll receive.

Once your number is on the registry, most legitimate telemarketers must stop calling you within 31 days.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Protect yourself by remembering these “Never Rules”:

  • Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to someone who calls you out of nowhere.
  • Never sign up on the spot because someone says you’ll “lose benefits” if you don’t.
  • Never trust strangers promising cash, gift cards, or rebates. Medicare doesn’t work that way.

If something feels rushed, confusing, or too good to be true – it probably is.

How to Stay Safe (and Confident)

Instead of answering random calls, here’s what you should do:

  • Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document arrives by the end of September and explains what will change in your plan for 2026.
  • Make a list. Write down your doctors, prescriptions, and your budget. You’ll need these details when comparing plans.
  • Work with trusted brokers. Choose brokers who:
    • Have strong reviews,
    • Are known in the community,
    • Provide valuable, free information all year – not just during AEP,
    • And continue supporting clients long after enrollment.
  • Schedule early. Licensed brokers get very busy in October, November and December. Booking your review in September ensures you won’t feel rushed.

What’s Changing in 2026

Costs are expected to rise again. Here are some highlights:

  • Part B premiums are projected to increase.
  • Part D drug plans will have higher deductibles and premiums.
  • Insulin remains capped at $35/month, and vaccines like shingles are free.
  • The maximum out-of-pocket cost for Medicare Advantage plans will be slightly lower than in 2025.
  • A few plans are exiting the market or reducing their service areas. If this happens to your plan, you should receive a letter or email directly from your carrier explaining your options and the steps you need to take.

This makes it even more important to carefully compare your coverage – what was best last year may not be best this year.

Bottom Line: Protect Your Coverage and Your Wallet

The Annual Election Period is your chance to take control of your Medicare coverage. But it’s also prime time for scammers who want to take advantage of confusion.

Stay safe. Stay informed.

  • Medicare will never call you or advertise Advantage/Supplement plans.
  • Don’t take calls from people you don’t know.
  • Do register your phone with the Do Not Call Registry.
  • Do schedule an appointment with a licensed insurance broker you trust – one who is recognized for serving the community all year round, not just during enrollment season.

That’s the best way to ensure your 2026 Medicare plan protects not only your health, but also your finances.

📞 Ready to review your plan? Call us 616-600-8444

Schedule your appointment directly through our calendar using the link below:

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 Schedule your free appointment today with a licensed Medicare agent you can trust. Appointments fill quickly during AEP – don’t wait until the last minute.