Every fall, people with Medicare get a chance to review their coverage and make changes for the next year. The Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. Any change you make takes effect on January 1.
Even if you are happy with your coverage, it is worth checking. Plans can change their premiums, drug lists, pharmacies and doctor networks every year, and a plan that suited you in 2026 may not be the best fit in 2027.
What you can change
During open enrollment you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan.
If you do nothing, your current plan usually renews automatically, as long as it is still offered.
What is new for 2027
- Part D cost cap rises. The most you will pay out of pocket for covered drugs in a year goes from $2,100 to $2,400. The highest deductible a plan can charge rises from $615 to $700.
- More negotiated drug prices. Medicare-negotiated prices take effect for 15 more brand-name drugs in 2027, adding to the 10 drugs whose negotiated prices began in 2026.
- Plan changes. Some Medicare Advantage plans are leaving certain counties or changing their extra benefits, such as dental coverage, for 2027. Check your plan's notice carefully.
Read Medicare Part D in 2027 for more on drug costs.
Step 1: Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change by September 30. It lists every change to costs and coverage for next year. Look for:
- The new monthly premium and deductible.
- Whether your drugs are still covered and at what tier.
- Whether your doctors, hospitals and pharmacy are still in the network.
- Changes to copays for services you use often.
If your plan is leaving your area, you will get a letter explaining your options, including a special window to choose a new plan.
Step 2: Make a list
Write down the prescriptions you take, with dose and how often, the doctors and hospitals you want to keep, and your preferred pharmacy. You will need this for an accurate comparison.
Step 3: Compare plans
The Plan Finder at Medicare.gov lets you enter your drugs and pharmacy and compare estimated yearly costs across plans in your area. Look at the total estimated cost, not just the premium. A plan with a low premium can cost more overall if your drugs are on a high tier.
Step 4: Get free, unbiased help
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, offers free counseling and can help you compare plans side by side. Find yours at shiphelp.org or call 877-839-2675. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Step 5: Enroll and keep records
Enroll through the Plan Finder, by calling the plan or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Joining a new plan of the same type usually ends your old plan automatically. Keep your confirmation number and watch for your new member card.
Remember Medigap
Open enrollment does not give you a right to buy a Medigap policy. If you switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, an insurer in most states can review your health and charge more, or turn you down. Check your options before you switch. Read Medigap basics.
More chances to change
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get another chance from January 1 to March 31 to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare, once. People with Extra Help, Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program can also change drug coverage at other times during the year.
