For Arkansas adults with Medicare and the family members who help them, Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2026, and ends December 7, 2026. During this period, people can make certain changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. Changes generally take effect January 1, 2027, when the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7. See the official details at Medicare.gov.
You do not need to change coverage simply because Open Enrollment has arrived. First, review whether your current coverage still fits the care, prescriptions and pharmacy routines that matter to you.
Medicare Open Enrollment Preparation: Build Your One-Page List
Start with one folder, notebook or one-page list. If you help a spouse, parent or other loved one with healthcare decisions, set aside time to complete it together. The goal is not to pick a plan before you are ready. It is to have accurate information when you begin looking.
New to Medicare?
If you are enrolling in Original Medicare, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B through Social Security.
Enroll in Parts A and B:
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
After enrollment, use Medicare.gov to:
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Compare Part D prescription drug plans
- Learn about Medigap coverage
1. Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, often called an ANOC, explains changes to costs, coverage and benefits that will begin in January. Do not file it with routine mail and assume nothing changed.
Check for changes to prescription coverage, provider networks, pharmacy rules and cost-sharing. A familiar plan name does not mean the details are the same. Medicare explains what to review in upcoming plan changes.
2. Make a current prescription and pharmacy list
Write down every prescription drug, including its name, dosage and how often you take it. Add the pharmacy you use. Accurate information makes it easier to review drug coverage and estimated costs.
Healthy Connections provides pharmacy services in Mena and Malvern. Services can vary by location. Before making assumptions, check a plan’s current pharmacy network and preferred-pharmacy rules; using a pharmacy that is convenient may not carry the same cost under every plan.
3. List the people and places involved in your care
Include your primary care clinician, specialists, hospitals and pharmacy. Then check each plan’s current provider and pharmacy information directly. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can have network and preferred-pharmacy rules.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicare and provides primary care in Arkansas communities. Coverage, networks and patient costs vary by plan and service. Call us with questions about an appointment or Healthy Connections services rather than assuming a particular plan covers a provider or service.
4. Compare the whole cost picture
A low monthly premium does not always mean lower healthcare costs during the year. Review deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, prescription drug costs and any yearly out-of-pocket limit.
Also consider the care you expect to need in 2027. You cannot predict every expense, and you do not need to. The useful question is whether your current coverage still fits the prescriptions, providers and benefits that shape everyday care.
5. Write down questions before you search
A short question list keeps you from relying on memory while comparing details. For example: Is this medication covered? Is my specialist in the network? Which pharmacies have preferred pricing? What will change in January?
Use official Medicare resources for plan details
For official plan information and comparisons, use Medicare.gov Plan Compare. You can enter prescriptions, review plan details and compare estimated costs. Medicare.gov, the Medicare & You handbook and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) are official sources of Medicare information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Healthy Connections offers free insurance assisters to answer questions and make sure you are getting the coverage you need.
Healthy Connections does not recommend specific Medicare plans. We can provide information about our services and help with healthcare appointment questions, but plan selection is yours to make using official Medicare resources and trusted counseling support.
Put your folder together before October 15
Before Open Enrollment begins, place your ANOC, prescription list, provider list and questions in one spot. That small task gives you a practical starting point—and gives a caregiver something useful to work from instead of trying to reconstruct details during a deadline week.
Start with the care you know you need. Then use Medicare.gov to check plan details. For information about Healthy Connections services or to schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit healthy-connections.org. A prepared folder will not make every choice simple, but it can make the next step much less overwhelming.
Frequently asked questions
When is Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15, 2026, through December 7, 2026.
When do Medicare Open Enrollment changes take effect?
Changes generally take effect January 1, 2027, if the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7.
What should I review before comparing Medicare plans?
Review your Annual Notice of Change, prescriptions, providers, pharmacy, expected care needs, costs and benefits.
Can Healthy Connections help me choose a Medicare plan?
Healthy Connections can provide information about services and appointments but does not recommend specific Medicare plans. Use Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or SHIP for plan-choice help.