Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2026: Your Step-by-Step Guide

What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Every year, October 15 through December 7 marks the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — the time when you can review, compare, and change your Medicare health or drug plan for the upcoming year. Your new coverage choices will take effect January 1, 2026.

This window is your once-a-year opportunity to make sure your plan still meets your needs — especially this year, since many 2026 Medicare plans in Maine and New Hampshire are changing or disappearing altogether.

Why This Year Is Different

For 2026, many seniors in New Hampshire and parts of Maine are being affected by major carrier exits and plan changes.

• In New Hampshire, several insurance companies — including WellSense and Martins Point — are exiting the Medicare Advantage market in multiple counties.

• In Maine, some Medicare Advantage plans are reducing extra benefits or increasing copays and deductibles.

• Across both states, plan options will be more limited and costs are trending upward.

That means it’s more important than ever to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter and take action during Open Enrollment.

 Step-by-Step: How to Review Your Medicare Coverage

Step 1: Read Your Annual Notice of Change

Every September, your insurance company sends you an ANOC letter. It explains what’s changing in your plan for the next year — premiums, drug coverage, copays, and provider networks. If anything changes for the worse, it’s time to compare your options.

Step 2: Make a List of What Matters Most

Write down:

• Your current doctors and specialists

• Hospitals or pharmacies you use

• Your prescriptions and dosages

• Any extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, fitness, etc.) you rely on

This list will help you compare plans accurately.

Step 3: Compare Plans for 2026

You can:

• Use the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov

• Or — even easier — work with a local, licensed Medicare broker (like us!) who can show you every plan available in your area side-by-side.

Agents at Hometown Senior Solutions can help you find out:

• Which plans are leaving your county

• What new options are available for 2026

• Which plans cover your doctors and prescriptions

Step 4: Double-Check Prescription Coverage

Even if your plan’s name hasn’t changed, drug formularies often do. Confirm that your medications are still covered, and check if your pharmacy is still in-network — small changes here can mean big out-of-pocket surprises.

Step 5: Enroll or Make Changes Before December 7

Once you’ve found the right plan, don’t wait! Enroll by December 7th, 2025 to make sure your new plan starts January 1st. If you miss the deadline, you may be locked into your current coverage for another year, or be without a Medicare Health Plan!

Pro Tip: Don’t Go It Alone

Medicare can feel overwhelming — especially this year with so many changes. That’s where Hometown Senior Solutions comes in.

We’re not a call center or a 1-800 number — we’re local people who live and work right here in Maine and New Hampshire. We’ll sit down with you in person or over the phone, walk you through your options, and help you enroll in a plan that fits your needs (and your budget).

Need Help? Let’s Talk

Whether you’re in Maine or New Hampshire, our licensed agents are ready to help you make sense of your 2026 options. We have 2 office locations (Berlin NH, Wilton ME) BUT we can also help you right over the phone!

Don’t wait until it’s too late — review your coverage now so you can start the new year confident and covered.

📞 Call us today at 207-881-6465