Medicare Open Enrollment in Columbus, Ohio — 2026

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — the most important window

**October 15 – December 7** every year. This is when Medicare beneficiaries can: • Switch from Original Medicare → Medicare Advantage (and vice versa) • Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another • Change Part D drug plans • Add or drop standalone Part D

Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Three signs you should switch this year

1. **Your drug costs jumped.** Carriers can change formularies every year. Your current Part D might no longer cover one of your medications, or have moved it to a higher tier.

2. **Your doctor is leaving the network.** Medicare Advantage HMOs and PPOs change provider networks annually. If your PCP or specialist is out of network in 2026, switch.

3. **Your premium went up significantly.** Some Columbus-area Medicare Advantage plans went from $0 to $50+/month for 2026 — that's worth shopping.

Original Medicare + Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

**Original Medicare + Medigap (Plan G or N):** Higher monthly cost ($150–$220/month combined), but predictable out-of-pocket. You can see ANY doctor that accepts Medicare. Best for snowbirds and people who travel.

**Medicare Advantage:** Often $0 premium, includes extras like dental/vision/gym. But you're locked into a network and need referrals for specialists. Best if you have a stable PCP relationship in Columbus.

Free Medicare reviews from a local Columbus broker

Noah Insurance Agency LLC reviews Medicare plans at no cost to you (brokers are paid by the carriers). We run your actual medication list through every Part D plan available in Franklin County to find the cheapest one for YOUR drugs. Most reviews take 30–45 minutes. Call 814-718-0060 or visit noahia.com.