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Common Questions About Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: A Q&A With Certified CHOICES Counselor Audrey Grove

It’s that time of year again! Medicare Open Enrollment is a crucial period for beneficiaries to review their health and prescription drug coverage and make sure their plan continues to meet their needs. Because premiums, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs can change from year to year, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare for the year ahead.

For 2027 coverage, Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Any changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

To help make the process easier to navigate, we spoke with Audrey Grove, CareConnect Navigator at Masonicare and a Certified CHOICES Counselor, about what beneficiaries should know during Medicare Open Enrollment. In Connecticut, CHOICES is the state's free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), providing unbiased Medicare information and counseling to beneficiaries, families, and caregivers.

Below, Audrey answers common questions about Medicare Open Enrollment and shares practical tips for reviewing coverage, comparing available plans, and finding trusted resources.

What Is Medicare Open Enrollment, and When Does It Take Place?

Medicare Open Enrollment is the annual period when beneficiaries can review and make changes to their Medicare health or prescription drug coverage. It takes place each year from October 15 through December 7.

For 2027 coverage, Medicare must receive your enrollment request by December 7, 2026. Changes made during Open Enrollment generally take effect January 1, 2027.

What Changes Can You Make During Medicare Open Enrollment?

During Medicare Open Enrollment, beneficiaries can make several changes to their coverage, including:

  • Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Join, drop, or switch Medicare prescription drug plans if you have Original Medicare.
  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare. If you return to Original Medicare, you may also be able to join a separate Part D prescription drug plan.

What Should You Consider When Reviewing Your Current Medicare Plan and Comparing Options?

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan should send you a Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September. This document outlines changes to your coverage, costs, and other plan details that will take effect in January. If you haven’t received your ANOC by the end of September, contact your plan.

It is important to review the ANOC, even if you're satisfied with your current coverage, as there may be changes to benefits, costs, prescription drug coverage, or provider networks that could affect whether your existing plan continues to meet your needs. The Medicare Open Enrollment period gives you an opportunity to compare your current coverage with other available options before deciding whether to make a change.

What Medicare Plan Changes Should You Look For?

It’s critical for beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan to carefully read through the annual Notice of Change from their healthcare provider. Changes to prescription drug coverage, premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and other costs can affect how much you pay and where you receive care during the coming year.

When reviewing your Annual Notice of Change and comparing plans, pay particular attention to:

  • Prescription drug coverage: Make sure your medications are still covered and check whether any have moved to a different tier on the plan's formulary, which can increase your out-of-pocket costs.
  • Monthly premiums: Review whether your monthly plan premium is changing.
  • Copays and other out-of-pocket costs: Look for changes to what you'll pay for healthcare services or medications.
  • Annual deductibles: Check whether your plan's deductible is increasing or decreasing.
  • Prior authorization requirements: Review whether any services or medications now require prior approval.
  • Provider networks: Confirm that your doctors and other healthcare providers will remain in network.
  • Pharmacy networks: Check whether your preferred pharmacy remains a preferred in-network pharmacy for the plan.

Where Can You Get Help Understanding Your Medicare Options and Choosing the Plan That Best Meets Your Needs?

There are several trusted resources available to help beneficiaries understand and compare Medicare coverage.

Medicare & You 2027

The Medicare & You 2027 handbook is Medicare's official guide to benefits, coverage options, rights, protections, and other important information. Medicare sends an updated handbook to Medicare households each fall, and an electronic version is also available online.

Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare's Plan Finder allows you to compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans available in your area, including coverage and estimated costs. For personalized help from Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

The Official Medicare YouTube Channel

Medicare also offers official videos on YouTube covering Medicare and other healthcare topics. These videos can be a helpful resource for beneficiaries who prefer to learn through short, easy-to-follow explanations.

CHOICES Medicare Counseling in Connecticut

Connecticut residents can also turn to CHOICES, the state's free and unbiased Medicare counseling program. Certified CHOICES counselors can help beneficiaries and their families understand Medicare, compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, explore programs that may help with costs, and answer questions about coverage.

Call 1-800-994-9422 to speak with CHOICES or connect with the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town. These organizations also provide free, personalized counseling for all Medicare-related questions.

Connecticut's five Area Agencies on Aging include:

Get Medicare Guidance From Masonicare CareConnect

Navigating Medicare and other senior care decisions can feel complicated, but you don't have to do it alone. Masonicare's CareConnect program helps older adults and their families better understand senior care services, insurance coverage, financial considerations, and available resources.

For questions about Medicare Open Enrollment, contact Audrey Grove, Masonicare CareConnect Navigator and Certified CHOICES Counselor, at agrove@masonicare.org.

Learn more about Masonicare CareConnect

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