Medicare open enrollment ends December 7: what Philadelphia seniors can change right now

Medicare’s annual open enrollment is open now — it runs Thursday, October 15 through Monday, December 7, 2026 — and every change you make takes effect January 1, 2027. This is the one window each year when people already on Medicare can rework their coverage. Here is what you can do, the Pennsylvania help that makes it cheaper, and the one mix-up that sends Philadelphians to the wrong website every fall.

What you can change by December 7

• Switch Medicare Advantage plans — from one private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to another.
• Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), with or without a Part D drug plan.
• Join Medicare Advantage for the first time from Original Medicare.
• Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan.

If you like your coverage, you do not have to do anything — but read the Annual Notice of Change your plan mailed you this fall anyway. Premiums, drug lists, and pharmacy networks change every year, and the plan that was cheapest for you in 2026 may not be in 2027.

One caution from Medicare itself: if you leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare, you may not be able to buy a Medigap supplement policy afterward, or it may cost more — Medigap sellers can generally use medical underwriting outside protected windows. Get free advice (below) before making that switch, not after.

Free, unbiased help — PA MEDI

Pennsylvania’s answer to sales pressure is PA MEDI, the state’s free Medicare counseling program. Counselors are trained volunteers and staff — they do not sell anything and earn nothing from your choice. In Philadelphia, PA MEDI runs through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: call 215-765-9040. Statewide, PA MEDI is at 1-800-783-7067. A counselor can compare your current plan against 2027 plans using your actual prescriptions and doctors, and screen you for the savings programs below. See our PA MEDI program page and the PCA page.

The Pennsylvania savings stack for people on Medicare

• Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium — and in some categories your deductibles and coinsurance too. Many people who qualify never apply because nobody told them the programs exist. Apply through COMPASS or a County Assistance Office, and ask a PA MEDI counselor to screen you first.
• Extra Help (Part D Low Income Subsidy) lowers prescription drug plan premiums and copays. If you have a Medicare Savings Program or SSI, you generally get it automatically; otherwise apply through Social Security.
• PACE and PACENET are Pennsylvania’s own pharmacy programs for residents 65 and older, and you can enroll any time of year — no need to wait for open enrollment. PACE covers single incomes up to $14,500 and married incomes up to $17,700, with copays of $6 (generic) / $9 (brand). PACENET reaches single incomes up to $33,500 and married incomes up to $41,500, with copays of $8 / $15. One more protection: through December 31, 2027, Social Security cost-of-living raises do not count against the PACE and PACENET income limits, so a COLA bump cannot push you out. Full details on our PACE / PACENET page.

Pennie is not Medicare

Every fall, Philadelphians mix these two up, so let’s be direct: Pennie is Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace for people who do not have Medicare — mostly working-age adults buying their own coverage. Its open enrollment (November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage) runs at the same time as Medicare’s, which is exactly why the confusion happens. If you are on Medicare, Pennie is not your door and a Pennie plan is not a Medicare supplement. If you are under 65 and uninsured, Pennie is your door — and if your income is low, check Medical Assistance first, because Pennsylvania expanded it and you may qualify outright. Our Pennie page explains who it serves.

Key dates

• December 7, 2026 — Medicare open enrollment ends. Changes start January 1, 2027.
• December 15, 2026 — Pennie’s deadline for January 1 coverage (for people without Medicare).
• Any day — PACE / PACENET enrollment and PA MEDI counseling.

Questions about Medicare itself go to Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For everything else — SNAP, LIHEAP, utility discounts, property tax relief — run the checker: two minutes of answers, and we screen the programs that fit your household.

Not a government agency. Applying is always free at the official sites.