Medicare Open Enrollment Starts With New 2027 Plan Choices

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, giving beneficiaries until December 7 to review coverage choices for 2027. People with Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Part D plans can compare offerings for the coming year, including premiums, covered drugs and access to doctors. Changes made during the annual period generally take effect January 1.

A Plan Ending Does Not End Medicare Eligibility

Some Medicare Advantage plans are withdrawing from particular markets. A member whose plan is ending may receive an enrollment notice describing replacement options or, in some cases, an automatic reassignment by the insurer. Another person might need to choose a new Medicare Advantage plan to stay in that kind of coverage. A discontinued private plan is not the same as losing Medicare eligibility.

Compare More Than the Headline Premium

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services projects lower average Medicare Advantage premiums nationally, but individual plans and drug costs can move differently. Beneficiaries should review their own coverage notices, doctor and hospital networks, drug formularies, and total out-of-pocket obligations rather than assume a national average describes their plan.

The Window Closes December 7

The government says beneficiaries can use Medicare.gov to compare available 2027 choices. This annual enrollment period is a real opportunity to make coverage changes, with different rules from special enrollment periods or the separate Medicare Advantage-only period early next year. The immediate action for anyone receiving a plan-change notice is to understand what the notice says before the December deadline.

References: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2027 | Medicare Managed Care Eligibility and Enrollment