Open enrollment for Medicare began on Oct. 15 and runs until Dec. 7. It not only allows 65-year-olds to enroll in Medicare but also allows both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to review and change their coverage.
But Medicare rules and regulations can be confusing. How do you navigate through them? And what is the cost? Medicare is set to increase for 2026.
Medicare Open Enrollment
You are required to sign up for Medicare when you reach 65. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), failure to do so may result in gaps in coverage or late penalties. According to Medicare, you’ll pay an extra 10 percent for each year you could have signed up for Part B but didn’t. A penalty stays with you for the rest of your life.
Anne Johnson
Author
Anne Johnson was a commercial property and casualty insurance agent for nine years. She was also licensed in health and life insurance. She went on to own an advertising agency, where she worked with businesses. She has been writing about personal finance for 10 years.
