While Medicare officials work to iron out the kinks, consumers shouldn’t wait for fixes to protect themselves. Double-check all information before enrolling — and if something doesn’t add up, verify directly with the insurer. A few extra minutes now could save you thousands in uncovered medical bills later.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is here. Follow our step-by-step guide to compare plans, make a switch, and ensure your new coverage starts smoothly.

In 2026, there are fewer prescription drug plans in Medicare Part D and higher premiums, even when offset by a multi-billion-dollar government

The two-month reprieve extends through January 2026. While some providers are restarting telehealth services, it remains unclear whether eligible virtual care reimbursements, accrued during the 43-day shutdown,

Medicare will cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs for specific patient groups, beginning in mid-2026, under a deal struck with drugmakers.

Options for Medicare and Medicaid Dual Coverage People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits are referred to as dual eligible. A person may have partial or full dual eligibility. Partial dual eligibility means a person qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid but does not receive the full range of Medicaid benefits.

Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly popular for their affordable premiums and extra benefits, but they have restrictions on care and can change frequently.

Open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, giving beneficiaries a window in which to review options, including traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, the private insurance alternative to the government insurance plan. It's a good idea, then, to brush up on some Medicare basics.