Medicare Annual Enrollment 2027: Why Reviewing Your Coverage Matters

Medicare plans can change from year to year, and those changes may affect your costs, benefits, and doctors. That is why it is a good idea to review your coverage each year rather than assume your current plan will continue to meet your needs at the same cost.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Prescription Drug Plan for 2027. Now is a good time to look at your options.

Start with your Annual Notice of Change

Insurance companies can change premiums, deductibles, copayments, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and other benefits. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Prescription Drug Plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change each fall explaining what is changing for the coming year. Reading it is a simple first step. A plan that worked well for you last year may not be the best fit for 2027.

Make sure your doctors are in your plan’s network

Confirm that the doctors and specialists you see participate in any plan you are considering. Check directly with the plan and with your providers’ offices before enrolling. A plan’s network can change from year to year, and a doctor’s participation in one plan does not necessarily mean they participate in every plan offered by the same insurer. If you currently see a Maren doctor or specialist, you are welcome to ask our office staff which plans we participate in. We cannot recommend a plan.

Compare costs beyond the monthly premium

A plan with a low monthly premium may seem appealing, but the premium is only one part of the overall cost. Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits all affect what you pay. Looking at the bigger financial picture can help you avoid choosing a plan based on premium alone.

Review prescription drug coverage

If you take medications regularly, check whether each one is covered, what it costs, and which pharmacies you can use. Drug lists and costs can change from year to year.

Understand your benefits and coverage rules

Medicare plans can differ significantly in the services they cover, their provider networks, referral requirements, and rules for receiving care. Original Medicare can be paired with a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan and a Part D Prescription Drug Plan, or you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan. The Annual Enrollment Period applies to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. This is especially worth understanding if you expect to need more specialist visits or are managing multiple health conditions.

Free educational Medicare seminars

During the Annual Enrollment season, Maren is participating as a featured guest at educational Medicare seminars hosted by independent licensed insurance agents. At these sessions, you can learn more about our practice, our doctors, and our services. Maren does not endorse any agent, agency, plan, or carrier, and we receive no payment or other compensation in connection with these seminars.

The seminars are free, last approximately one hour, and come with no obligation to enroll in a plan. Reservations are optional. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call (909) 312-0085.

It’s important to note that Maren is a healthcare provider and does not sell insurance. We do not recommend any specific plan, carrier, or agent.

The goal is to make sure your coverage works for you

At Maren, we believe quality healthcare involves more than treating an illness. It also means helping people with Medicare access the right care, connect with specialists, and navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence. We encourage you to learn about Medicare, explore your options, and make coverage decisions with confidence.

Medicare plan availability, benefits, costs, and provider participation vary by location and plan. Information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage or a recommendation to enroll in a specific plan. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Maren is not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or federal Medicare program.