By Ana Dickerson
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) officially begins October 15 and runs until December 7, giving millions of Medicare recipients the opportunity to review, change, or add health care and prescription drug coverage for the 2026 plan year.
Many Medicare health and drug plans make changes each year, including adjustments to costs, coverage, and their networks of providers and pharmacies. The yearly seven-week AEP window allows current enrollees to select new coverage if necessary, or enroll in a plan for the first time if eligible, to better meet their needs for the following year.
This annual period is critical for seniors and eligible individuals younger than 65 with disabilities who rely on Medicare for health coverage. During AEP, beneficiaries can:
- Switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Enroll in or change Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advises that enrollees should always carefully review the materials their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC), for details on any plan changes.
Meena Patel, spokesperson for CMS, said, “Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. What worked for someone this year may not be the best choice next year. The AEP is the time to ensure your plan still fits your health and financial needs.”
Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly offering expanded supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, and even grocery or transportation support. However, availability varies by location and provider. Some key updates for the 2026 plan year include:
- Adjustments to Part D coverage, including changes to out-of-pocket caps
- Continued implementation of drug pricing reforms under the Inflation Reduction Act
- Enhanced transparency rules requiring clearer disclosure of plan benefits and costs
Beginning October 15, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) will hold Medicare walk-in hours at its Albuquerque headquarters, 5701 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Monday through Friday. BCBSNM Medicare specialists will be available to provide information about Medicare changes and answer questions about the enrollment process.
“We offer Medicare customers a wide variety of choices to fit their every budget, lifestyle, and health need, all delivered by a brand that they’ve come to know and trust for 85 years,” said BCBSNM President Janice Torrez. She noted that BCBSNM Medicare Advantage plans remain affordable. Some are available for $0 premium, while others give customers money back in their Social Security check. Keep in mind that benefits and premiums may vary by plan and geography.
“You’ve probably noticed some changes going on in the Medicare program that could impact the number and type of plans offered in your area,” Torrez said. “Nevertheless, we’re pleased that our BCBSNM MA plans continue to offer benefits that are popular with older adults.”
For 2026, these benefits may include:
- Routine vision coverage, hearing aids with a copay, and some dental coverage are included in all plans
- Transportation to and from doctors’ offices and pharmacies in the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (DSNP), which is for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid
- Home-delivered meals following hospitalization in DSNP
- A monthly allowance for healthy groceries for DSNP members with certain chronic conditions
- Allowance for over-the-counter health-related products
- Senior-oriented fitness programs through SilverSneakers
BCBSNM also invites Medicare beneficiaries to attend one of the Medicare 101 information sessions (offered in English and Spanish) at Blue Door Neighborhood Center, located in the South Valley at 3925 Las Estancias Way SW. Call BDNC at 505-816-5100 to learn more.
Area seniors seeking more information about their health care may further benefit by attending the Prime Time 50+ Expo, Albuquerque’s largest health fair designed specifically for older adults. The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 8 at the Embassy Suites near Lomas and Interstate 25. Attendees can gather information from about 60 providers and vendors, including not only physicians and insurers but also a variety of other senior-oriented services, such as retirement communities, hospice, funerary, legal, and wellness products. The Expo is organized and operated by Prime Time Publishing. Call 505-242-2428 for more information or to coordinate free transportation.
During AEP, some tips for evaluating and selecting your Medicare plan include:
- Know your needs because there are a variety of plans available.
- Explore your choices based on your budget, lifestyle, and health status.
- Get guidance. Medicare can be difficult to understand. You can seek help from professionals, such as independent brokers or plan employees, as well as through local organizations such as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
- Once your coverage starts, be sure to utilize your benefits, especially preventive care benefits, to maintain or improve your health.
If you cannot make changes during the initial AEP, there is a limited opportunity to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period beginning January 1 through March 31, 2026. While there is no penalty for inaction during AEP, those who do not make an enrollment decision will be locked into their current plan for an entire year.
Officials advise that the AEP season is also prime time for Medicare-related scams, so beneficiaries should be wary of unsolicited calls or emails and to only share personal information with trusted sources. Beneficiaries are urged to review the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or contact 1-800-Medicare for assistance.
