What to Do Now That Your Medicare Plan Is Active (OEP 2026 Guide)

Welcome to 2026! The new year is officially underway, and if you’re reading this, chances are you made some updates to your Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). First off, congratulations — making the effort to review your options and choose a plan that works for you is a big step toward staying covered and confident all year long.

Now that January is here, you should have received your new ID cards and benefit summaries in the mail. If you haven’t yet — don’t panic. Some carriers take longer to process materials than others, and most doctors and pharmacies can still look up your plan with your Medicare ID. But if it’s been more than two weeks and your card hasn’t arrived, it’s a good idea to follow up. You can always call or text me at (949) 209-1491 for help, or reach out directly to your carrier using the numbers listed below.

This time of year is also when people start to second-guess their choices. Maybe a medication is costing more than expected, or you realized your doctor isn’t in-network. That’s where the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) comes in. From January 1 to March 31, anyone with a Medicare Advantage plan has a one-time opportunity to make a switch. This can be helpful if the plan you picked during AEP isn’t working the way you expected.

That said, if your plan is working well — don’t change it. One of the most common mistakes people make is switching too soon. The beginning of the year often comes with a learning curve, especially when adjusting to new formularies or pharmacy partnerships. Give yourself time to adjust before assuming something is wrong.

Not sure whether you should make a move? Reach out. I’m here to guide you through it. I’ll walk through your coverage, check your providers and prescriptions, and make sure your plan still fits your needs.

In the meantime, here’s a list of carrier support numbers in case you need help with ID cards or benefits:

- Aetna: 855-335-1407

- Anthem: 888-230-7338

- CarePlus: 1-800-794-5907

- Healthsprings: (800) 882-4462

- Devoted: 1-800-338-6833

- Humana: 1-800-457-4708

- Peoples Health: 1-800-978-9765

- UHC: 1-844-723-6473

- WellCare: 866-822-1339

Here’s to a smooth, stress-free 2026. Whether you need help understanding your plan or making a change, I’m just a call or text away.

– Dalton Brewster, Licensed Medicare Agent