Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027: A Checklist Before December 7

Medicare open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Whatever you choose takes effect on January 1, 2027. You do not have to change anything, but plans change their premiums, drug lists and networks every year, so a 30-minute check now can save real money next year. Figures here are as of October 21, 2026.

This checklist works for both main paths: Original Medicare with a Part D drug plan, and Medicare Advantage.

Step 1: Read your Annual Notice of Change#

Your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan must send an Annual Notice of Change, usually by September 30. It lists everything that differs next year. Look for five things:

If you cannot find the notice, sign in to your plan's website or call the number on your member card.

Step 2: Know the cost changes that apply to everyone#

Part D drug costs have a yearly cap#

Since 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered Part D drugs. For 2026, CMS set that limit at $2,100 and the standard deductible at $615. Both are indexed by law and rise for 2027; your plan's 2027 documents show the exact figures. Once you reach the cap, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the year.

You can also spread drug costs over the year in monthly instalments through the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which helps if you face a large bill early in January.

Part B premiums are announced later in the fall#

The official 2027 Part B premium and deductible had not been announced as of October 21, 2026. The Medicare trustees projected an increase from the 2026 standard premium of $202.90, so plan for a slightly higher deduction from your Social Security payment. If your income is above the thresholds, an income-related surcharge also applies.

Step 3: Compare plans with your real prescriptions#

The Medicare Plan Finder is the most reliable comparison tool because it prices plans using your own drug list.

1. Enter every prescription, with the dose and how often you fill it.
2. Choose the pharmacies you actually use, including any mail-order option.
3. Sort by estimated total drug plus premium cost, not by premium.
4. For Advantage plans, check that your doctors and the hospital you would use are in network.
5. Note each plan's star rating; higher-rated plans tend to have fewer service problems.

Step 4: Decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage#

Switching back to Original Medicare is allowed during open enrollment, but a Medigap policy is not guaranteed after your first enrollment window in most states. An insurer can ask health questions and decline you or charge more. If you might want Medigap later, check your state's rules before leaving Original Medicare.

Step 5: Make the change, then confirm it#

• Enrol in the new plan through Medicare Plan Finder, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or with the plan directly. Joining a new plan of the same type automatically ends the old one.
• Keep the confirmation number.
• Look for your new member card and welcome packet in December.
• If you drop a Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare, enrol in a separate Part D plan at the same time to avoid a gap in drug coverage.

Watch out for scams and pushy calls#

Medicare will not call you to sell a plan or ask for your Medicare number. Be cautious with unsolicited calls and ads promising extra benefits or cash back. Free, unbiased help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Key dates#

• October 15, 2026: open enrollment starts.
• December 7, 2026: last day to make changes for 2027.
• January 1, 2027: new coverage begins.
• January 1 to March 31, 2027: Medicare Advantage members can make one switch.

For how the parts of Medicare fit together, read Medicare Parts A, B, C and D explained. For how the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment interacts with your Part B premium, see the 3.6% Social Security COLA for 2027.