Medicare Open Enrollment is one of the most important times of the year for people who already have Medicare.

From October 15 through December 7, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for 2027. Any coverage changes made during this period generally take effect on January 1, 2027.

Even if you are satisfied with your current plan, taking time to review your coverage can be worthwhile. Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can change from year to year—including premiums, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, copays, deductibles, and additional benefits.

Here are seven areas worth reviewing before making your Medicare decisions for 2027.

1. Review Your Current Plan’s Changes for 2027

One of the biggest Medicare mistakes is assuming that because a plan worked well this year, it will automatically work the same way next year.

Plans may change their:

• Monthly premiums
• Deductibles
• Copayments and coinsurance
• Provider networks
• Prescription drug formularies
• Pharmacy networks
• Prior authorization requirements
• Additional benefits and services

Your plan should provide information explaining changes for the upcoming year. Take the time to review those changes instead of simply allowing your current coverage to renew automatically.

A small change in benefits or prescription coverage could make a meaningful difference over an entire year.

2. Make Sure Your Doctors and Hospitals Are Still In-Network

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your provider network can be an important part of your coverage.

Before choosing or renewing a plan, consider checking whether your:

• Primary care physician
• Specialists
• Preferred hospital
• Outpatient facilities
• Pharmacies

will continue participating in the plan’s network for 2027.

Provider networks can change. Confirming participation directly with both the plan and your healthcare provider can help reduce surprises later.

3. Review Every Prescription You Take

Prescription drug coverage deserves its own annual review.

Create an updated list of:

• Prescription names
• Dosages
• How frequently you take each medication
• Preferred pharmacy

Then compare that list with the prescription coverage available for the upcoming year.

A medication that was covered favorably this year could move to another formulary tier, require additional authorization, or have different cost-sharing next year.

Medicare’s prescription drug program has undergone significant changes in recent years, making an annual prescription review particularly important.

4. Look Beyond the Monthly Premium

A low—or even $0—monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium can certainly attract attention, but the premium is only one part of your potential healthcare costs.

Consider the complete picture, including:

• Specialist copays
• Hospital costs
• Outpatient procedures
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription costs
• Deductibles
• Maximum out-of-pocket limits
• Out-of-network coverage, when applicable

The plan with the lowest advertised premium isn’t automatically the plan with the lowest overall cost for your particular healthcare needs.

5. Consider How You Actually Use Healthcare

Your healthcare needs today may look different than they did when you originally selected your Medicare coverage.

Ask yourself:

Have I started seeing any new doctors?

Am I taking new medications?

Have I been diagnosed with a new health condition?

Am I traveling more frequently?

Do I spend part of the year in another state?

Do I anticipate surgery or other medical treatment next year?

Your Medicare coverage should be evaluated based on your current situation—not simply what worked several years ago.

6. Understand the Additional Benefits

Depending on the Medicare Advantage plan and service area, plans may offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare.

These may include certain:

• Dental services
• Vision benefits
• Hearing benefits
• Fitness programs
• Transportation services
• Over-the-counter allowances
• Other supplemental benefits

Availability and eligibility can vary significantly between plans and locations.

While additional benefits can be valuable, they shouldn’t necessarily be the only factor used when selecting coverage. Your doctors, prescriptions, expected medical expenses, and overall coverage are also important considerations.

7. Don’t Wait Until December 7

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7.

Waiting until the final few days can make an already complicated decision feel rushed.

Starting earlier gives you time to gather your medications, doctors, preferred pharmacies, and current coverage information and compare your options carefully.

If you decide your existing coverage continues to meet your needs, that’s valuable information too.

The goal isn’t necessarily to change plans every year.

The goal is to make sure your current coverage still makes sense.

Your Medicare Coverage Deserves an Annual Review

Medicare isn’t a decision you make once and never revisit.

Plans change.

Prescription coverage changes.

Provider networks change.

Healthcare needs change.

And sometimes your priorities change as well.

An annual Medicare review can help you better understand your coverage and identify questions you may want answered before the December 7 deadline.

Have Questions About Your Medicare Options?

You don’t have to sort through Medicare choices alone.

A knowledgeable Medicare professional can help you review your current coverage, discuss your healthcare priorities, and compare available options so you can make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage for 2027.

Schedule your Medicare review today and give yourself plenty of time before the December 7 deadline.

Important Medicare Information

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, eligible Medicare beneficiaries may be able to join, switch, or drop certain Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage. Coverage changes generally become effective January 1.

Plan availability, premiums, benefits, provider networks, formularies, cost sharing, and eligibility vary by plan and geographic area.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal, tax, or individualized insurance advice. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, visit Medicare.gov, or consult a licensed insurance professional for information regarding your individual circumstances.