PRESS RELEASE
 Important Plan Enrollment Dates for Medicare Beneficiaries
Des Moines, Iowa - The Iowa Insurance Division’s SHIIP Program would like to remind Iowans about two important Medicare deadlines coming up.
1.) Iowans currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have until March 31, 2026, to change Medicare Advantage Plans or return to Original Medicare through the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is distinct from the fall Annual Open Enrollment, offering a final opportunity for beneficiaries to ensure their 2026 plan meets their current healthcare needs. Unlike the fall Open Enrollment Period:
- Any changes made will take effect on the first day of the month after the enrollment is submitted.
- Only one change is allowed during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
Anyone opting to change from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare may need to enroll in a separate drug plan if they do not have other creditable drug coverage. They will also need to find secondary coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, which may require underwriting and screening for pre-existing conditions before approval.
2.) Iowans whose Part D or Medicare Advantage plans were cancelled at the end of 2025 until February 28, 2026, to enroll in a new plan.
Those who received coverage from a cancelled Medicare Advantage plan in 2025, and who have not enrolled in a new plan for 2026, automatically reverted to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) on January 1, 2026. They will NOT automatically have drug coverage or any secondary coverage. They have until February 28th to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or stay with Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D and Medicare Supplement plan.
Those impacted by a cancelled Medicare Advantage plan have a unique “guaranteed issue” opportunity to switch to Original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap). A “guaranteed issue” means the company is required to approve enrollment at preferred rates, without requiring underwriting or screening for pre-existing conditions.
Iowans seeking assistance with these changes can reach out to the Insurance Division’s SHIIP for free, confidential, and unbiased one-on-one counseling. Residents can find a local counselor by calling 1-800-351-4664 or checking our list of local sites at https://shiip.iowa.gov/find-resources/find-counselor.
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