Open Enrollment: CMS, States Warn Consumers

Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15–Dec. 7 for Medicare and is underway in state marketplaces; CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and other CMS officials urged beneficiaries to compare plans at Medicare.gov (or call 1-800-MEDICARE) because benefits, costs and drug coverage change annually. CMS warned its ability to assist millions could be limited by significant staffing shortages worsened by a recent government shutdown. In Georgia, more than a million residents face potentially higher ACA marketplace premiums if Congress does not extend pandemic-era tax credits that now subsidize roughly 1.5 million people; state officials say premiums could double and strain rural hospitals, and they urge consumers to shop around and use available resources. In Minnesota, MNsure — the only place to apply for financial help — opened enrollment, added two dental partners for 2026, and set a Dec. 15 deadline for plans that start Jan. 1, with free expert assistance available. Consumers should note Original Medicare leaves significant gaps (including 20% cost sharing and limited foreign, dental, vision, hearing and long‑term care coverage) and may want to consider Medicare Advantage, Medigap or other supplemental options. Separately, pharmaceutical manufacturers face mounting policy and pricing uncertainty — from executive orders and proposed tariffs to recent pricing deals — which could further influence prescription costs and contribute to expected 2026 price increases.