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Frequently asked questions about 2026 Medicare Advantage Renewal
You can make changes to your Medicare coverage during a few key times each year.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 |
This is your opportunity to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan. Your 2026 plan will be effective January 1, whether you stay in your current plan or switch to a different one. |
Open Enrollment Period:Jan. 1 – March 31 |
During this time, Medicare Advantage plan members can revisit their plan choices and choose to make a coverage change. You can only make one change to your coverage during this period. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month. |
Special Enrollment Period (SEP):Varies |
Current Medicare enrollees may qualify for a unique 2-month Special Enrollment Period to switch to a different Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan due to a qualifying event. An example would be if your plan is closing and is no longer offered next year. |
Learn more about Medicare enrollment periods.
Great news. If your current plan is being offered next year, your coverage will automatically renew starting Jan. 1. If you’re happy with this plan, you don’t need to do anything during AEP.
The Prepare for Next Year page on your member site and mobile app helps you compare 2025 and 2026 benefits side-by-side, confirm your doctors are in-network, understand your drug coverage and more.
To confirm that your provider is currently in-network, search for your provider online, or use the Prepare for Next Year page on your member site.
Named a Best Insurance Company
Medicare Advantage 2025 Best Overall by U.S. News & World Report
Named a Best Insurance Company
Medicare Advantage 2025 Best Overall by U.S. News & World Report
Resources to support 2026 Medicare Advantage Renewal
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members have access to resources to answer questions about 2026 Medicare Advantage Renewal.
| Common questions | Resource |
|---|---|
| Want to know when to make changes to your plan? | Check Medicare enrollment periods |
| Looking to learn what’s changing with Medicare Advantage plans for next year? | Sign in to review your Prepare for Next Year page |
| Checking to see if your provider is in the Medicare Advantage network? | Use the Prepare for Next Year page on your member site or search for your provider |
| Looking for changes to Medicare Advantage prescription drug coverage for 2026? | Learn about Medicare prescription drug coverage for members |
Want to connect with an expert to ask questions about your 2026 Medicare Advantage plan?
Sign in to your member site to review your health plan benefits and chat online with an advocate. If you’d like to talk to someone, call the number on your UCard.