In These Times: Medicare Open Enrollment
By Tina Sotis, Managing Editor
October 2026
Medicare Open Enrollment: Don't Navigate It Alone
Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries are bombarded with advertisements, mailings and phone calls urging them to change their Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. It can be overwhelming—and choosing a plan based on an advertisement alone can be costly.
The good news is that free, unbiased Medicare counseling is available throughout Berkshire County. You don't have to figure it out alone.
Know the Dates
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7. During this period, people with Medicare can change Medicare Advantage plans, switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or join, drop or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Changes generally take effect January 1.
Don't wait until October 15 to start thinking about it. Review your current coverage, medications, doctors and costs now. Plans can change their premiums, benefits, provider networks and drug formularies from year to year.
If you're turning 65 or enrolling in Medicare for the first time, your enrollment period may be different. Don't wait for Open Enrollment if you're new to Medicare.
SHINE: Your Local Resource
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) provides free, unbiased counseling to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. Certified counselors can help you understand your options, compare plans, review prescription coverage and find programs that may reduce healthcare costs. They don't sell insurance. (800) 243-4636
Elder Services of Berkshire County
ElderServices also connects residents with appropriate resources.
Elder Services: (413) 499-0524 or (800) 544-5242 | esbci.org
Don't Overlook Help With Medicare Costs
Massachusetts residents with limited income may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay Medicare premiums and other healthcare costs. You do not have to be enrolled in MassHealth to apply. A SHINE counselor can help determine whether you qualify.
What If You Change Your Mind?
If you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, with the option of joining a separate Part D drug plan.
Special Enrollment Periods are also available in certain circumstances, such as moving or losing other health coverage. Rules vary, so check with Medicare or a SHINE counselor.
One important caution: switching back to Original Medicare can affect your ability to obtain Medigap supplemental insurance without medical underwriting. Talk with a SHINE counselor before making a change.
Don't Let an Advertisement Decide
Before changing plans, check whether your doctors are in the network, your prescriptions are covered, which pharmacies you can use, and what you'll actually pay.
Talk to a SHINE counselor. The service is free, unbiased, and designed to help you make sense of Medicare.
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE, or (800) 633-4227 | medicare.gov