By Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement, eHealth

With the annual health benefits enrollment season starting soon, preparing now can be the key to making more informed decisions this fall — and saving money on healthcare costs in 2026. This is especially true for the more than 68 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, as significant changes are expected for this government-sponsored program for 2026. 

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2025 runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with initial comparison shopping starting on Oct. 1. This is the time of year when any Medicare beneficiary can review their coverage and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the coming year — it’s also an opportunity to review whether adding a Medicare Supplement plan is a good option for people enrolled in Original Medicare.

For people with employer-sponsored health benefits, the open enrollment period can vary but usually happens sometime during a few weeks between September and December. For consumers looking for an individual or family plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces, enrollment starts Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15.

Before these enrollment windows open, there are important steps consumers can take to better prepare to make more informed benefit decisions for 2026.  

Use it or lose it. Many people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans each year fail to take advantage of an array of included benefits, such as preventive dental cleanings, hearing tests and discounts on hearing aids, gym memberships, grocery credits and more. This is such a big issue that next year, health plans will be required to send Medicare Advantage enrollees letters letting them know about unused supplemental benefits. In the meantime, people should check their plan to understand what benefits are available that have not been used so far this year.

For people with an individual or employer-sponsored plan, doing a similar review may also be helpful. Many health plans include coverage for preventive care, such as vaccines, wellness exams and preventive screenings for certain types of cancer. Taking advantage of those resources, which may be included at no additional out-of-pocket cost, can help detect diseases earlier and promote well-being.  

Read the fine print this fall. Most Medicare insurance companies have announced significant plan changes for 2026, including network adjustments, increased cost sharing and the elimination of some plans entirely. People should look for an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter starting in September to better understand if or how their plan may be changing. Unfortunately, many people may miss these new letters, as a 2024 study found only 48% of Medicare beneficiaries carefully read mail from their insurance plan.

For people with commercial plans, employers will typically start sending updates on any plan changes or additions starting in fall. That usually starts a window to review and make health plan selections for next year, as well as enroll in any supplemental benefits such as vision, dental or hospital indemnity.  

Review needs to shop smart and save big. Personal health needs or finances can change a lot from year to year, so it is important people evaluate what has changed recently, how they’re currently using their plan benefits and what is costing them the most money. Starting this review now can help people be more prepared and save them time once the enrollment season begins. This is especially true for people who began seeing a new doctor, added or changed their prescription drug regimen, or were diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease.

Comparing plans can help people save too, in part because beneficiaries have access to an average of 40+ Medicare Advantage options. For instance, last year people who compared their existing Medicare Advantage plan to 2025 options saved an average of over $1,800 per year on healthcare expenses with a lower cost plan. The savings averaged over $800 per year on prescription medications alone by picking a lower cost plan — all while keeping coverage for the same or equivalent medications.

Whitney Stidom is vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, a leading online health insurance marketplace that helps consumers confidently navigate their health benefit decisions.