Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2025, giving Oklahomans on Medicare the opportunity to review, compare, and change their health or prescription drug plans for the 2026 coverage year. This year’s enrollment period comes with new tools, enhanced consumer protection, and a strong reminder to stay alert for scams targeting seniors across the state.
Important Updates for 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced several updates aimed at helping beneficiaries make better-informed choices:
•The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov now includes doctor and provider directory information, making it easier to verify whether preferred physicians are in-network.
•A new Special Enrollment Period will be available for individuals who enroll in a plan based on incorrect or misleading provider directory information.
•The average Part D prescription drug plan premium is expected to decrease from about $38.31 to $34.50 for 2026.
•The annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs will rise slightly to about $2,100.
•Medicare Advantage plans will feature more transparency about supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, and wellness programs.
In Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) remains a key provider, offering Medicare Advantage plans in 58 of the state’s 77 counties. Some BCBSOK plans will have $0 monthly premiums, while others may even offer “giveback” benefits—providing credits directly to Social Security checks. The BCBSOK network now includes more than 3,000 primary care providers, 15,000 specialists, and roughly 600 hospitals and facilities statewide. The company also continues to offer Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Part D prescription drug plans to residents across Oklahoma.
Scam Warnings
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is warning residents to stay vigilant as scam attempts rise during open enrollment. Officials report that fake postcards and phone calls claiming to schedule “Medicare appointments” are circulating across the state. Social Security does not send postcards or schedule Medicare enrollment calls, the OID cautioned. Suspicious mail or calls can be reported to the OID’s Medicare Assistance Program at 800-763-2828 or by email at MAP@oid.ok.gov.
Enrollment Support
The Oklahoma Insurance Department and local SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors offer free, unbiased help with Medicare decisions. They encourage all Medicare beneficiaries to review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to compare plans, and watch for new coverage details effective January 1, 2026.
The Bottom Line
Officials urge Oklahomans not to let the enrollment window close without reviewing their current plan. Costs, coverage, and provider networks can change each year, and even small differences can add up over time.
For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program at www.oid.ok.gov. You may also contact Joanie at SWODA with Medicare questions at 580-5625026 or Joanie@swoda.org. SWODA is one of 11 Councils of Government in the state. SWODA’s region of service includes municipalities, counties and conservation districts in Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita counties.
SWODA was created to strengthen the economic and social development of the region through various specialized services such as the following: 911 Administration, Aging Services, Community and Economic Development, Geographic Information Systems, Rural Fire Defense and Workforce Development.