Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here: 5 Essential Steps Before December 7
Medicare open enrollment began October 15 and runs through December 7, giving you seven weeks to review your coverage for 2027. Federal officials project that average Medicare Advantage premiums will fall more than 16%, while drug plan premiums edge up. Here are five essential steps to compare plans and avoid surprises.
Why Medicare Open Enrollment Matters to You
Your health, your medications and your doctors can change from one year to the next. So can your plan. Insurers adjust premiums, drug lists and provider networks every fall, and a plan that worked well in 2026 may not be the best fit for 2027.
Most people who skip the review simply keep what they have. That can be fine, but it can also mean paying more for a drug that is no longer covered or losing access to a favorite doctor.
Key Facts: What Is Changing in 2027
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that runs Medicare, here are the projections:
- Medicare Advantage: The average monthly premium is expected to drop from $14.37 to about $12.00.
- Part D drug plans: The average premium is expected to rise about $1, from $35.09 to $36.
- Plan choices: Available plans dip slightly, from 5,553 to 5,532.
These are averages. Your own costs depend on where you live and which plan you pick. Premiums are only part of the story, so also look at deductibles, copays and yearly out-of-pocket limits.
What This Means for You: Your Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
Action 1: Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan must send this document each fall. It lists changes to costs, coverage and networks. Compare it with your last year of doctor visits and prescriptions to see whether anything affects you.
Action 2: Compare plans using the official tool
Medicare’s online Plan Finder lets you enter your medications and preferred pharmacy and see estimated yearly costs. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling.
Action 3: Confirm your doctors and drugs are covered
Before you switch, check that each doctor, hospital and medication you rely on is in the plan’s network and drug list. A lower premium is not a bargain if it costs you access to your care team. Keep your documents organized in one place so these checks take minutes, not hours.
If you are new to Medicare, remember that you only get this yearly window to switch most plans. People who are still working, or who have special circumstances, may have different options, so ask a counselor if your situation is unusual. Bring a list of your medications and doctors to any call so the advice you receive is specific to you.
Finally, ask family members to help. A second set of eyes often catches details that are easy to miss, such as a pharmacy that is no longer preferred.
Looking Forward: Decide Early, Then Relax
Changes you make by December 7 take effect January 1. Do not wait for the last week, when phone lines and counselors are busiest. For more guidance, read our articles on Medicare basics for new enrollees, prescription savings after 50 and planning healthcare costs in retirement. A little time now can protect your wallet all year.