Every year from October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries across the country—including right here in Las Vegas and Henderson—have the opportunity to make crucial decisions about their healthcare coverage. This period is officially known as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) or Medicare Open Enrollment.
As of today, October 15, 2025, the AEP has officially begun for the 2026 plan year. Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, this 54-day window is your chance to make changes that could save you money, improve your coverage, and ensure continued access to your preferred doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions.
Let’s take a closer look at what this period means, what options you have, and how Las Vegas Medicare can help you make the right choice.
What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can:
- Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Enroll in or change Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
- Drop prescription drug coverage entirely
Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1, 2026.
Why Open Enrollment Matters—Especially in Las Vegas
Health care coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all, and in Clark County, plan availability, costs, networks, and benefits can vary widely from year to year. Each fall, insurance companies make changes to their Medicare plans for the following year. These updates may include:
- Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Provider networks (which doctors and hospitals are in-network)
- Prescription drug coverage and pharmacy networks
- Extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and over-the-counter allowances
If you don’t review your current plan, you could end up paying more than necessary—or worse, lose access to your favorite doctor or prescription medications.
At Las Vegas Medicare, we’ve seen firsthand how even a small change in a drug formulary or network can have a major impact on a person’s health and finances.
Common Medicare Plan Changes for 2026
Although the exact details depend on the plan and the carrier, here are a few trends we’re seeing in the 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in Las Vegas:
- Some carriers have restructured networks, meaning certain specialists and facilities may no longer be covered.
- Several plans have adjusted their formulary tiers, which affects how much you pay for specific prescriptions.
- A few Medicare Advantage plans have added enhanced dental and hearing benefits, including $0 copays on preventative care and larger annual allowances.
- Premiums on popular Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) may have gone up—or in some cases, down—so it’s wise to compare.
The only way to know how these changes affect you personally is by reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and sitting down with a local Medicare expert.
What Happens If You Don’t Make a Change?
If you’re happy with your current plan and do nothing during the AEP, your coverage will automatically renew on January 1, 2026—but that doesn’t mean you’re making the best choice.
Without a yearly review, you could:
- Be surprised by higher out-of-pocket costs
- Lose access to a preferred doctor or specialist
- Pay more for prescription medications
- Miss out on new benefits you didn’t know were available
Even if your health and medications haven’t changed, your plan might have.
How Las Vegas Medicare Can Help
Here at Las Vegas Medicare, we specialize in helping local residents navigate the complexities of Medicare. We offer free, personalized consultations to review your options and answer your questions—without the pressure or confusion of trying to do it all on your own.
As licensed independent agents, we represent many of the top Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D plans available in Nevada, including:
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Wellcare
- Cigna
- Anthem
- Devoted Health
- and others
Because we’re not tied to one company, we focus solely on what’s best for you.
What to Bring to Your Medicare Appointment
To get the most out of your appointment with Las Vegas Medicare, please bring:
- Your Medicare card (red, white, and blue card)
- A list of your current prescriptions
- The names of your preferred doctors and pharmacies
- Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) if available
- A list of your health concerns or upcoming medical needs
With this information, we’ll be able to run a side-by-side comparison of your current plan versus all other available options for 2026.
Key Questions to Ask During AEP
Here are some helpful questions you should consider during this year’s open enrollment:
- Will my current doctors and specialists still accept my plan in 2026?
- Have my prescription medications changed tier levels or copays?
- Are there plans that offer additional dental, vision, or hearing coverage?
- Could I qualify for a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help with drug costs?
- Would a Medicare Supplement plan give me more flexibility?
At Las Vegas Medicare, we help you answer all of these questions and more so you can make an informed, confident decision.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period only runs until December 7, 2025, and appointments fill up fast—especially as the deadline approaches.
By reviewing your options early in the enrollment period, you give yourself the advantage of time to:
- Ask questions
- Compare options
- Avoid long wait times
- Avoid being rushed into a decision
Why Work with a Local Las Vegas Medicare Agent?
Working with a local Medicare agent has its advantages:
✅ We understand the Clark County healthcare network and know which doctors are in-network
✅ We stay up to date with Nevada-specific plan changes
✅ We’re available year-round for support, not just during AEP
✅ We offer in-person, phone, or virtual appointments based on your preference
Plus, our services are always 100% free to Medicare beneficiaries.
Final Thoughts
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is one of the most important times of the year for seniors in Las Vegas and Henderson. With new plans, changing benefits, and shifting costs for 2026, there’s never been a better time to schedule a free Medicare review.
Even if you’re happy with your current plan, a quick check could uncover a better fit or lower cost option for the year ahead.
Set Up Your 2026 Medicare Review Today
Now that Medicare Open Enrollment is officially underway, don’t wait to take action. Contact Las Vegas Medicare to schedule your free consultation and make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs in 2026.
📞 Call us today at 702-710-4229
📧 Or email us at info@lasvegasmedicare.com
🌐 Visit www.LasVegasMedicare.com
We’re here to make Medicare simple, local, and stress-free.