Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Help in Schuylkill County

Stonebridge Planning Group · September 20, 2026

# When Is Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026, and Where Can Schuylkill County Residents Get Help?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with any changes taking effect January 1, 2027. During this window, people already on Medicare can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage or change Part D prescription drug coverage. Stonebridge Planning Group, an independent, education-first firm in Tamaqua, helps local families understand their options.

What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The Annual Enrollment Period is the yearly window—October 15 to December 7—when anyone with Medicare can review and change their coverage for the coming year. According to CMS, changes made during this period take effect January 1. It is different from your one-time Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, and from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period that runs January 1 through March 31.

What can I change during Open Enrollment?

During AEP you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Join, switch, or drop a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.

Plans can change their costs and coverage each year, so even if you are satisfied today, it is worth reading the Annual Notice of Change your plan mails each fall before December 7.

Why review your coverage every year?

Even a plan that worked well this year may adjust its drug list, pharmacy network, or costs next year. Your own health, prescriptions, and doctors can change too. Reviewing your coverage annually helps you confirm it still fits your needs—rather than being locked in until the next enrollment window. There is no requirement to make a change; if your current coverage still works, you can keep it.

Where can Tamaqua and Schuylkill County residents get help?

Local residents have several resources at no cost. Pennsylvania's APPRISE program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. You can also compare plans yourself at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Stonebridge Planning Group provides general, no-pressure Medicare education to families across Schuylkill County and the greater Hazleton area—including Hometown, Coaldale, Lansford, Nesquehoning, Pottsville, and Hazleton—and can also serve clients virtually.

What should I bring when reviewing my Medicare options?

Have your Medicare card, a current list of your prescriptions and dosages, your preferred pharmacies, and the doctors or specialists you want to keep. This information makes it much easier to compare how different types of coverage would work for your situation and to avoid surprises in January.

Who is Stonebridge Planning Group?

Stonebridge Planning Group is an independent, education-first financial planning and insurance firm based in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania (ZIP 18252), serving families preparing for or already in retirement. Our tagline is "Where Strategy Meets Security." We focus on helping you understand your choices so you can make a confident, informed decision—never on pressure or a rushed deadline.

Medicare decisions are personal, and the right choice depends on your health, budget, and priorities. Talk with a licensed professional or a trusted counselor about your own situation before making changes.

FAQ

See the questions and answers below.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.