Key Takeaways

• Your pharmacy preferences can change during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and reviewing them early helps you protect your medication costs for the new plan year.

• A clear process for comparing pharmacies, checking networks, and reviewing medication coverage gives you control before January 1 arrives.

Understanding Changes In Your Pharmacy Needs

Your pharmacy preferences can shift for many reasons. You may want a pharmacy that is closer to home, one with better hours, or one that offers services you rely on. During the AEP, which runs from October 15 to December 7, you have an opportunity to make sure your Medicare plan for the 2026 year aligns with those changes. This period is specifically designed to let you review your plan options, so understanding how pharmacy changes affect your coverage helps you choose a plan that supports your updated needs.

Pharmacies play a direct role in how much you spend on your medications. Network rules, preferred pharmacy lists, and prescription tiers all influence what you pay. If any part of your preference changes, taking the time to review your choices before the new plan year helps you avoid surprises when January arrives.

Why Reviewing Pharmacy Options Matters

A change in your preferred pharmacy can directly affect:

• What you pay at the counter

• How easily you access your medications

• Whether your prescriptions are filled on time

• The overall convenience of your medication routine

Medicare plans use pharmacy networks to determine pricing. Some pharmacies are preferred, while others are standard or out-of-network. Your plan may also have different rules for 30-day and 90-day supplies. Because pharmacies can move into or out of preferred status each year, reviewing your options is essential when your preferences shift.

What Should You Check First?

Before you make any decision, start with a simple review of what matters most to you. These questions help you clarify what has changed in your situation.

Is Your New Pharmacy In Your Plan’s Network?

A pharmacy must be in your plan’s network for you to receive coverage. Plans update their pharmacy lists each year. Even if your pharmacy was in-network in 2025, it may not stay that way for 2026. Reviewing the updated network list during the AEP ensures you can continue using your preferred location.

Is Your Preferred Pharmacy A Preferred Option?

Preferred pharmacies often have lower copays for many covered medications. Standard pharmacies may cost more. If your new pharmacy preference is not on the preferred list, you may see higher costs throughout the year. Comparing preferred and standard options helps you understand potential cost differences before making a choice.

Does Your Medication List Match The New Pharmacy’s Availability?

Some pharmacies may not carry all medications. Others may have different stocking schedules. As you prepare for the 2026 plan year, confirm that your new pharmacy can consistently provide what you need. This step prevents delays and ensures your routine remains stable.

How To Review Your Options Before The New Plan Year

A clear, step-by-step approach helps you stay organized and confident throughout the AEP.

1. Update Your Medication List

Start by reviewing every medication you take. Include dosages, frequency, and whether you prefer 30-day or 90-day supplies. This list is your primary reference for comparing pharmacy options. It shows you how each plan supports your medications and how your pharmacy preferences impact total costs.

2. Check The 2026 Plan’s Pharmacy Directory

During the AEP, plans publish their updated materials for the next year. The pharmacy directory is one of the most important documents for your review. You can confirm whether your new preferred pharmacy is listed as in-network or preferred. You can also check other nearby pharmacies if you want alternatives.

3. Compare Costs Between Pharmacies

Different pharmacies may offer different pricing levels for the same medication under the same plan. Review the cost for each medication at your preferred pharmacy and compare it with others. This step helps you understand where your new preference fits into your overall healthcare budget.

4. Review Your Plan’s Medication Coverage

Your plan’s formulary outlines how medications are covered. If your pharmacy preference changes, make sure the formulary still covers your medications in a way that matches your expectations. Since formularies update each year, your review should include changes for 2026.

5. Confirm Availability Of Specialty Services

If you rely on certain pharmacy services such as multi-dose packaging, refill reminders, home delivery, or consultations, verify whether your preferred pharmacy offers these options. Some services may only be available at selected locations.

6. Estimate Your Annual Costs

When you add up your medication costs for the year, consider:

• Copays for preferred vs standard pharmacies

• Deductible rules for prescription drugs

• Changes in cost-sharing for 2026

• Any limits on how many days’ supply you can receive at once

This gives you a clearer picture of how your pharmacy preference affects your yearly spending.

What If Your Preference Changes After AEP Starts?

Your situation may change even during the AEP itself. You may discover a new pharmacy, move to a new area, or find a location with better services. If this happens between October 15 and December 7, you can still review your options before the deadline.

Can You Still Switch Plans Before December 7?

Yes. The AEP allows you to change your plan as many times as you like. The most recent plan you select by December 7 is the one that takes effect on January 1. This flexibility gives you room to adjust if your pharmacy preference changes.

What If You Find Out After AEP That Your Pharmacy Is Not Covered?

If you discover after December 7 that your selected pharmacy is not a good fit, you still have options. Between January 1 and March 31, you have the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. During this time, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. This helps you correct pharmacy-related issues early in the year.

How To Stay Organized For Future Years

Your needs may continue to change, so building a simple system helps you stay prepared.

Should You Review Pharmacy Options Every Year?

Yes. Pharmacies and Medicare plans update their networks, costs, and services every year. Making this a yearly review helps you avoid surprises and stay aligned with your healthcare needs.

How Can You Keep Your Information Updated?

Use a simple checklist that includes:

• Medication list

• Preferred pharmacy list

• Cost comparisons

• Updated formulary notes

• Key plan documents for the next year

Reviewing these items helps make the AEP process predictable and manageable.

Moving Forward With Clear Information

Preparing for the new plan year becomes easier when you understand how pharmacy preferences influence your costs and convenience. By reviewing networks, checking medication coverage, and comparing pharmacy options during the AEP, you protect yourself from unexpected changes and stay in control of your healthcare choices. The clearer your information is, the smoother your transition into the 2026 plan year will be.

Staying Confident In Your Pharmacy Decisions

As you finalize your review, make sure your pharmacy choice supports your routine, fits your budget, and aligns with your long-term health needs. If you want help understanding your options or choosing a plan that fits your updated pharmacy preferences, you can reach out to any of the licensed agents listed on this website for personalized guidance.