Three windows let you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan: the Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65, the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, 2026, and Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying life events. Miss all three and you wait until the next available window. The window you use determines when coverage starts and which plan options are open to you.
How to Get a Medicare Advantage Plan in 2026
Updated: March 9, 2026
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Key Takeaways
You can enroll in Medicare Advantage during three main periods: Initial Enrollment (when turning 65), Annual Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or Special Enrollment (after qualifying life events).
Enroll online at Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or contact insurance companies directly to complete your application.
You must have Medicare Parts A and B, be 65 or older (or under 65 with disability) and live in the plan's service area to qualify.
Most Medicare Advantage plans (60%) cost $0 monthly, though you'll pay the $202.90 Part B premium, the $283 annual deductible and copays when receiving care.
WHAT IS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE?
Medicare Advantage is private insurance that replaces Original Medicare with bundled coverage. Plans include Medicare Part A (hospital), Part B (medical) and usually Part D (prescription drugs). Most plans add extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing care that Original Medicare doesn't cover. You must have Medicare Parts A and B to enroll.
When Can You Enroll in Medicare Advantage Plan?
Initial Enrollment Period | Turning 65 or newly eligible | 3 months before to 3 months after 65th birthday | 1st day of birth month if enrolled before, otherwise 1–3 months after enrollment |
Annual Enrollment Period | All Medicare beneficiaries | October 15–December 7, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
Special Enrollment Period | Qualifying life events | Within timeframe specific to event | Varies: 1st of month after enrollment or following month |
How to Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare offers three enrollment methods: online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or directly with insurance companies. Choose whichever works best for you. All three paths lead to the same coverage. With any method, you get access to all available plans in your area and the same application processing timeframes.
- 1
Apply Online at Medicare.gov
- Access Medicare.gov Plan Finder. Visit Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool to compare Medicare Advantage plans in your ZIP code. The tool shows monthly premiums, coverage details, prescription drug formularies and provider networks for every plan in your area. Filter results by plan type (HMO, PPO, HMO-POS), star rating, monthly cost and included benefits.
- Compare Plans and Select Coverage. Review plans side-by-side to see which doctors accept each plan, which prescriptions are covered and what you'll pay for common services. The Plan Finder lets you compare up to three plans at once. Select your preferred plan and click "Enroll" to start your application.
- Complete Your Online Enrollment. You'll need your Medicare number from your red, white and blue Medicare card, your Part A and Part B effective dates and your current prescription list if choosing a plan with drug coverage. The online enrollment takes 10 to 15 minutes. Medicare.gov confirms enrollment immediately and sends a confirmation email. Your insurance company mails a welcome packet with your member ID card within two weeks. Coverage starts based on when you enrolled during the enrollment period.
- 2
Sign Up by Phone
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a representative who can walk you through plan options and complete your enrollment. For TTY service, call 1-877-486-2048. Representatives can assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
Have your Medicare card ready with your Medicare number and Part A and Part B effective dates. During your call, the representative asks about your doctors, prescriptions and health needs to help identify plans that fit. Compare up to three plans before deciding. Once you choose a plan, the representative completes your enrollment and provides a confirmation number.
Within 10 days, you'll receive written confirmation by mail. Your insurance company sends your member ID card and welcome materials within two weeks of enrollment. After enrollment, coverage starts the first day of the following month, or January 1 if you enroll during Annual Enrollment Period.
- 3
Enroll Directly with Insurance Companies
Contact insurance companies through their websites or Medicare-specific phone lines to enroll in their Medicare Advantage plans. Direct enrollment gives you access to company representatives who can answer detailed questions about plan benefits, provider networks and coverage specifics before you enroll.
- Find Insurer Contact Information: Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool to see every company offering Medicare Advantage plans in your ZIP code. The tool lists each insurer's enrollment phone number and website. You can also search online for "[Company Name] Medicare Advantage" to find their Medicare-specific customer service line and enrollment portal.
- Ask About Coverage Details Before Enrolling: Representatives can tell you which doctors and hospitals participate in their network, whether your current prescriptions are covered under their formulary, and what you'll pay for specific services you need. Ask about copays, deductibles, prior authorization requirements and any coverage limitations for services important to you.
- Submit Your Enrollment Application: You'll complete the same enrollment application required by Medicare. Provide your Medicare number, Parts A and B effective dates, current address and contact information. The insurance company processes your application and sends confirmation within 7 to 10 business days.
- Receive Your Member ID Card: Your member ID card arrives before your coverage effective date. Companies often provide temporary digital member ID cards you can access online immediately after enrollment approval while waiting for your physical card to arrive by mail.
AFTER ENROLLMENT: WHAT TO EXPECT
Your insurance company sends important materials after you enroll in your Medicare Advantage plan. Keep your confirmation letter and review all materials carefully. Note your coverage start date, member ID number and customer service phone number. Within two to three weeks after enrollment, your member ID card usually arrives.
Contact the plan's customer service if you don't receive your card within three weeks of enrolling. While waiting for your physical card, you can often access temporary member ID cards online through the insurer's website.
Do You Qualify for Medicare Advantage?
Before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet three basic requirements set by Medicare. These rules apply nationwide regardless of which insurance company offers the plan or which state you live in.
Medicare Parts A and B Enrollment
Both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) must be active before you can join a Medicare Advantage plan. Enrollment with only Part A or only Part B isn't allowed. On your Medicare card, you'll find your Part A and Part B effective dates, which determine when you can start Medicare Advantage coverage.
Age or Disability Qualification
To qualify, you must be 65 or older, or under 65 with a disability that makes you eligible for Medicare. At age 65, most people become eligible, but those with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may qualify earlier. For ESRD patients, specific enrollment rules apply along with limited plan options based on treatment status and Medicare eligibility date.
Plan Service Area Residence
Living in the Medicare Advantage plan's service area is required to enroll. By county, plans define their service areas, and you can't join if you live outside the designated coverage zone. If you move to a different county or state, you may lose access to your current plan and need to choose new coverage through a Special Enrollment Period.
How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost?
Medicare Advantage costs vary by plan type and how much care you receive. The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 monthly with a $283 annual deductible, which all Medicare beneficiaries pay. According to MoneyGeek's analysis of 2026 plan data, 60% of Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 monthly premium.
Plans that charge premiums average $53 monthly for HMO plans and $63 monthly for PPO plans. You'll pay copays and coinsurance when you receive care until you reach your plan's out-of-pocket maximum, which averages $6,312 for in-network services in 2026. Once you hit this limit, the plan covers 100% of Medicare-covered services for the rest of the year.
Medicare Advantage Cost Breakdown (2026)
HMO | $0 | $53 | 76% | $5,479 |
HMO-POS | $0 | $56 | 66% | $5,725 |
PFFS | $37 | $40 | 10% | $6,387 |
PPO | $0 | $63 | 58% | $6,748 |
Regional PPO | $97 | $88 | 0% | $7,838 |
All Plan Types | $0 | $63 | 60% | $6,312 |
Premium amounts represent consolidated monthly costs for Medicare Part C and Part D coverage, based on MoneyGeek's analysis of 2026 Medicare Advantage plan data. Average costs exclude $0 premium plans. Out-of-pocket maximums reflect average in-network limits for 2026. Individual plan costs vary by location, insurer and coverage level.
Getting Your Medicare Advantage Plan: Bottom Line
To enroll in Medicare Advantage, you need Medicare Part A and B coverage, residence in a plan's service area and enrollment during Initial, Annual or Special Enrollment Periods. Beyond the $202.90 Part B premium and $283 deductible, most plans cost $0 monthly premium, with out-of-pocket spending capped at $6,312 annually on average. Enroll through Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or directly with insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered to common questions about how to get Medicare Advantage coverage and the enrollment process:
How do I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan online?
Visit Medicare.gov Plan Finder, enter your ZIP code and compare plans. You'll need your Medicare number and Parts A and B effective dates. Select your plan and click "Enroll" to complete the 10- to 15-minute application. Medicare.gov confirms enrollment immediately. Your insurance company mails your member ID card within two weeks.
Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan anytime?
No, you can only enroll during Initial Enrollment Period (three months before to three months after turning 65), Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying events like moving or losing coverage. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31).
How long does it take to get approved for a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans can't deny coverage based on health conditions during enrollment periods, so approval is immediate when you submit your application. You'll receive confirmation within minutes online or by phone. Your insurance company sends your member ID card within two weeks. Coverage starts the first day of the month after enrollment or January 1 for Annual Enrollment Period applications.
What happens if I miss the Medicare Advantage enrollment deadline?
If you miss Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), you can still enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Qualifying events include losing employer coverage, moving outside your plan's service area or qualifying for Medicaid. Each event has its own enrollment window, typically 60 days from the event date. Otherwise, you must wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period.
Do I need to cancel Original Medicare to get Medicare Advantage?
No, you don't cancel Original Medicare when joining Medicare Advantage. Your Medicare Advantage plan replaces Original Medicare while you're enrolled, but Original Medicare remains active in the background. You must keep paying your Part B premium to maintain Medicare Advantage coverage. If you leave Medicare Advantage, you automatically return to Original Medicare without reapplying.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
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sources
- Medicare.gov. "How to join a Medicare Advantage Plan." Accessed March 9, 2026.
- Medicare.gov. "2026 Medicare costs." Accessed March 9, 2026.
- CMS.gov. "Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods.." Accessed March 9, 2026.