Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called Open Enrollment, runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes you make take effect January 1, 2027. If you're happy with your plan and it's still offered, your coverage generally continues automatically. But plans can change from year to year, so it's worth a careful look. Here's a simple checklist to work through, one cup of coffee at a time.

1. Read your Annual Notice of Change

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) starting in September. It spells out what's changing for 2027: premiums, deductibles, copays, covered drugs, and more. If you can't find yours, call the plan and ask for another copy, or look for it on the plan's website.

2. Check your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies

Networks can change. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your primary care doctor, specialists, preferred hospitals, and pharmacy will still be in network in 2027. The easiest way is to call the doctor's office and the plan directly. If you spend part of the year away from home, check how the plan covers you there too.

3. Review your prescriptions

Make a list of every prescription you take, with dose and how often. Then check each one against your plan's 2027 drug list (formulary). Look for changes in tier, prior authorization, or quantity limits. Keep these 2027 figures in mind:

• Out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs are capped at $2,400 in 2027 (up from $2,100 in 2026).

• A plan's drug deductible can't be more than $700 in 2027.

• Covered insulin costs no more than $35 for a one-month supply, with no deductible.

• Medicare-negotiated prices take effect for 15 more drugs on January 1, 2027. Ask your plan how this affects what you pay.

Medicare's Plan Finder at Medicare.gov lets you enter your drugs and compare estimated yearly costs across plans.

4. Add up your total costs, not just the premium

A low premium doesn't always mean low costs. Look at the whole picture: monthly premium, deductibles, copays and coinsurance for the care you actually use, and the plan's yearly out-of-pocket limit. For 2027, Medicare Advantage in-network out-of-pocket limits can be no higher than $9,850, and many plans set lower limits. Remember that you generally keep paying your Part B premium in any plan. And if your income is higher, budget for IRMAA, an extra amount added to Part B and Part D premiums. For 2026 it applies when your 2024 modified adjusted gross income was above $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (joint). IRMAA is set by Social Security based on your income, not by your plan. If your income has dropped because of a life-changing event like retirement, you can ask Social Security to lower it with Form SSA-44.

5. Look closely at extra benefits

Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits can be helpful, but the details matter. Check the dollar limits, which providers you can use, and whether you'll actually use the benefit. A generous-sounding extra shouldn't outweigh your doctors and prescriptions.

6. See if you qualify for help with costs

If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for programs that lower your Medicare costs. Medicare Savings Programs can help pay Medicare premiums, and in some cases deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Extra Help can lower Part D premiums, deductibles, and other drug costs. Learn more at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

7. Know your deadlines, and protect yourself

• December 7, 2026: the plan must receive your enrollment request by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027.

• January 1 to March 31, 2027: if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or go back to Original Medicare and join a drug plan.

• Thinking about leaving Medicare Advantage for a Medigap policy? In most cases, Medigap companies can ask health questions outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, so check whether you'd qualify before you drop your plan.

• Be scam-aware: Medicare won't call to sell you anything or visit your home. Don't share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you out of the blue.

You don't have to do it alone

If this list feels like a lot, that's normal. Free help is available from 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.

Get a FREE independent plan review from Jamie

The best way to know if your plan is still right for you is to have it reviewed. Call Jamie Kranking, an independent licensed broker, for a FREE review of your current plan. He'll compare it with what's offered for 2027 in your area, at no cost to you. Your window may be closing soon, so make an appointment today.

Call Jamie at (904) 842-4623 (toll-free (888) 316-4623), or fill out our contact form and we will contact you.

Jamie Kranking, Independent Licensed Broker, Care For Healthcare

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.