Design Highlights
- Enrollment for 2026 AARP plans is available online or by phone through the AARP website or customer service.
- Submit enrollment requests by December 7, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
- Utilize the Medicare Plan Finder to compare AARP Part D plans and costs effectively.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance with questions about AARP plan options and enrollment.
- Special Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans runs from January 1 to March 31, 2026, affecting AARP plans.
Get ready, folks! Medicare Part D is here, and if you’re eligible, it’s time to buckle up for the 2026 enrollment ride. The Annual Open Enrollment period kicks off from October 15 and runs until December 7. Mark your calendars! You want your coverage to start on January 1, 2026, right? You better submit those enrollment requests by December 7, or you might be left out in the cold.
Get ready for Medicare Part D! Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7—don’t miss your chance for coverage starting January 1, 2026!
Now, if you’re just turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time, you’ve got your Initial Enrollment Period. Lucky you! But don’t get too comfy—there’s also a Special Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans from January 1 to March 31, 2026. If you miss out, well, good luck waiting for the next cycle.
Let’s talk numbers. In 2026, the national base beneficiary premium hits $38.99, a 6% bump from 2025. But don’t panic! The average stand-alone Part D plan premium is actually projected to drop from $38.31 to $34.50. And if you’re into Medicare Advantage plans, hold onto your hats—those average premiums are expected to drop from $16.40 to $14.00. What a wild ride!
But here’s where it gets real. As of February 2026, there are a whopping 56.1 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D plans. Most of them—over 31 million—are in Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans. So, if you think you’re alone in this, think again. Be aware, though; the number of stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) has dipped from 464 in 2025 to just 360 this year. Fewer choices mean you better do your homework. Additionally, the guidance improvements clarify Medigap guaranteed issue rights, making it important to understand your options.
For low-income subsidy beneficiaries, there are 88 benchmark plans available, down from 90. Not a huge drop, but still something to note. These plans come with no premiums for those eligible, which is a nice perk. You can compare these plans through Medicare.gov during open enrollment. It’s also worth knowing that routine dental and vision costs are not covered under Original Medicare, leaving many low-income beneficiaries paying significant out-of-pocket expenses on top of their Part D costs.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Each state offers between 8 and 12 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans in 2026. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to get a grip on costs, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for help. They’re available 24/7, and yes, they might even answer your questions!
