Medicare Open Enrollment Is Almost Here: 4 Essential Things You Need to Know

Medicare open enrollment begins Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through Dec. 7. This year, some Medicare Advantage members are getting discontinuation notices, including about 600,000 Humana members. Discover four essential checks that can protect your coverage and your wallet in 2027.

Why Medicare Open Enrollment Matters to You

Plans change every year, even when your health does not. A drug that was covered last year may move to a higher cost tier, or your doctor may leave a plan’s network.

If you do nothing, most people are simply renewed into their current plan. That is convenient, but it can mean paying more for less. Reviewing your options takes an hour or two and can save hundreds of dollars.

This year deserves extra attention. Insurers are trimming offerings because of rising costs, so a plan you trusted may look very different, or may not exist, in January.

Key Facts & Context

Open enrollment applies to more than 70 million people with Medicare. Several 2027 changes are worth knowing about.

• Humana sent non-renewal letters dated Oct. 2 to members of plans it is ending, covering roughly 600,000 people.
• The Part D out-of-pocket drug cap rises from $2,100 to $2,400. After you reach it, covered prescriptions cost nothing for the rest of the year.
• The standard Part D deductible rises from $615 to $700.
• CMS released 2027 star ratings on Oct. 8, and the number of five-star contracts fell from 22 to 15.

Original Medicare has no yearly out-of-pocket cap, while Medicare Advantage plans do. That difference matters if you expect high medical bills, so weigh it carefully when comparing.

The Part B premium is projected near $209.50, but the official figure comes in November. People in a discontinued plan also get a special enrollment period after Dec. 7.

What This Means for You: Four Checks Before Dec. 7

Use this short checklist as you compare plans on the official Medicare Plan Finder.

Action 1: Did You Receive a Plan Change or Non-Renewal Letter?

Look for your Annual Notice of Change and any discontinuation letter. These explain next year’s premiums, drug tiers, and networks. If your plan is ending, you must pick new coverage.

Action 2: Are Your Doctors and Prescriptions Still Covered?

Search each of your medications and providers by name in the Plan Finder. Check pharmacy costs as well, since a preferred pharmacy can lower your copays. Do this even if your plan is not changing.

Action 3: Who Can Give You Free, Unbiased Help?

Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, that offers free counseling. Be careful with unsolicited calls and texts during this season. Our guide to online privacy for older adults explains how to spot pressure tactics, and Principium Technology shares cybersecurity information for individuals.

Action 4: Have You Planned Your Preventive Care?

Open enrollment is a good moment to review covered screenings and vaccines. Our flu shot guide for seniors explains what Medicare covers this season.

Looking Forward

Decide before Dec. 7 so your new coverage starts January 1. Write down your choice and keep your confirmation. For more guidance, explore our health and wellness hub.