Medicare Open Enrollment

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the most important time of year for millions of Americans to secure or update their health coverage. For 2026 benefits, enrollment is now open for individuals who depend on their plan for audiology services and hearing aid benefits.

This blog will answer the fundamental question: when is Medicare Open Enrollment, and explain why reviewing your plan's coverage for hearing health is non-negotiable.

During this period of open enrollment for health insurance decisions, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare [3] (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage enrollment plan (Part C).
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage [4] plan to another.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare (and potentially add a stand-alone Part D plan).
• Enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if ordered by your physicians, it never covers routine hearing exams or hearing aids. You’ll be required to pay 100% of the cost for these services. Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help cover your out-of-pocket costs for covered Medicare services. Still, it does not add coverage for items not typically covered, such as hearing aids.

For comprehensive hearing care coverage for 2026, follow these three steps:

1. Check Your Current Plan’s 2026 Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
   Your current plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which details all benefit and cost changes for the upcoming year. [10] Don’t assume your hearing coverage will stay the same! A plan might drop its hearing benefit, change the allowance, or alter the provider network.
   
   
2. Ask the Right Questions When Comparing Plans
   When looking at new Medicare Advantage enrollment options, ask specific questions about hearing care:
   What is the maximum dollar allowance for hearing aids?
   Are there any co-pays for audiology exams and fittings?
   Do I have to use a specific, limited provider network?
   What is the maximum number of aids covered per year or per plan duration?
   
   
3. Leverage Your Amplifon Benefits
   Amplifon partners with hundreds of leading health plans to provide comprehensive hearing benefits. If your plan includes an Amplifon benefit, you gain access to:

• Significant savings on top hearing aid technology.
• A nationwide network of high-quality, credentialed hearing healthcare providers.
• Personalized guidance to help you maximize your benefit.

The time to act is now. Do not miss the December 7th deadline.