Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026. This is the annual opportunity for people with Medicare to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for 2027.

Any changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2027.

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s a good idea to take another look. Medicare plans can change from year to year, including their premiums, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and other benefits. Your own health needs, medications, or preferred providers may have changed, too.

Before you start reviewing your options, a little preparation can make the process easier. If you haven’t already, consider creating an account at Medicare.gov, where you can access information about your current Medicare coverage and claims and use your saved information when comparing plans. Visit this log-in page to learn more.

It’s also helpful to make a list of your current medications and the doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers you want to continue using. Having this information ready can make the comparison process easier.

Who Can Make Changes During Medicare Open Enrollment?

Those who already have Medicare can use Open Enrollment to review their current coverage and make changes for the year ahead. During this period, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
• Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
• Join, switch, or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan

If you’re satisfied with your current coverage and your plan will continue to be offered in 2027, you generally don’t need to take any action for your coverage to continue.

Keep in mind that Medicare Open Enrollment is different from enrolling in Medicare for the first time. If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and the three months afterward. Other enrollment periods may also apply depending on your circumstances.

For more information about your options during Open Enrollment, visit the Open Enrollment page on Medicare.gov.

What Should I Review Before Deciding Whether to Make a Change?

Start with the coverage you already have. Consider whether anything will be different in 2027 and whether your current plan still fits your needs.

A few things to check include:

• Prescription medications: Are your medications still covered, and have their costs or coverage requirements changed?
• Doctors and other providers: If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, are the doctors, hospitals and other providers you use still in the plan’s network?
• Premiums and out-of-pocket costs: Will you pay more for premiums, deductibles, copayments or coinsurance?
• Benefits: Have any services or benefits been added, changed or discontinued?
• Your own needs: Have your prescriptions, health needs or preferred providers changed during the past year?

You can use Medicare’s Plan Compare tool to compare Medicare health and drug plans available in your area.

What’s New for Medicare in 2027?

Medicare costs and coverage rules can change each year. A few updates for 2027 may be particularly important as you review your coverage:

• Part D out-of-pocket costs: The annual out-of-pocket limit for covered prescription drugs increases to $2,400 in 2027, up from $2,100 in 2026. Once you reach that limit, you won’t pay additional out-of-pocket costs for Part D prescription drugs for the rest of the year.
• Part D deductibles: The standard Part D deductible increases to $700 in 2027. Some plans may have a lower deductible or no deductible.
• Negotiated prescription drug prices: New Medicare-negotiated prices for a number of high-cost Part D prescription drugs take effect January 1, 2027. The medications are used to treat conditions including diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cancer. How these changes affect you will depend on the medications you take and your plan.
• You can find more information about these and other changes in the Medicare & You 2027 Handbook. Medicare mails an updated handbook to Medicare households each fall, and you can also review it online.

What Should I Do With the Information I Receive From My Current Plan?

Pay particular attention to your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document explains changes to your current plan’s costs and coverage for the coming year.

Don’t assume that because your plan worked well for you in 2026, everything will remain the same in 2027. Reviewing the notice can help you spot changes that may affect your medications, providers, or out-of-pocket costs.

Open Enrollment also tends to bring an increase in Medicare-related advertising, mail, and phone calls. Be cautious about sharing personal information. Medicare advises you to protect your Medicare number like a credit card and not share it with someone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or in person.

This is a Lot of Information. Where Can I Get Help?

You don’t have to sort through your Medicare options alone. Iowa SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, provides free, objective, and confidential Medicare counseling to Iowans. Trained counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries and their families understand coverage options and make informed decisions.

Please note that Cindy Robertson, Social Worker at Meth-Wick, is no longer a SHIIP counselor; however, Meth-Wick will now be a satellite office with UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital SHIIP program. SHIIP counselors from St. Luke’s will hold office hours at Meth-Wick and continue providing the Medicare counseling services previously available through Cindy.

Please see the September 25th edition of the Life At Meth-Wick newsletter for information on making an appointment with a SHIIP counselor; click here to view the newsletter.

If you need additional forms, please contact Cindy Robertson at [email protected] or 319-297-8646.

Whether you decide to keep your current coverage or make a change for 2027, taking some time to review your options now can help you head into the new year knowing your Medicare coverage continues to meet your needs.