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Your 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Guide
Mark your calendar for critical dates and watch for key notices that will shape your healthcare coverage and costs next year.
In brief
Mark your calendar for critical dates and watch for key notices that will shape your healthcare coverage and costs next year. Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2027. Watch for notices starting in September that detail plan changes, premium costs, and coverage gaps so you can make informed…
Open enrollment window opens October 15
Medicare's annual election period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2027. This seven-week window is your chance to review, compare and change your health and drug plans for coverage starting January 1.
Watch for notices starting September
Beginning in late September, expect important mail including the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Medicare & You Handbook. These official notices are your roadmap to evaluate your care and protect your wallet.
“Far from routine "junk mail," these official notices serve as a personal roadmap to evaluate your care and protect your wallet.”
ANOC alerts you to plan changes
The Annual Notice of Change arrives by September 30 and outlines exact changes to your Medicare Advantage plan, such as higher copays, dropped doctors or hospitals, and removed medications. This tells you if your plan still fits your needs.
October 14: COLA gets announced
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is announced on October 14. You can estimate your benefit increase by applying the COLA percentage to your last check amount.
Late October: Part B premiums released
Medicare releases 2027 Part B premium amounts and Part A and Part B deductibles in late October. Use this information to fine-tune your healthcare budget with actual costs.
November/December: IRMAA notices arrive
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) and Social Security COLA notices arrive in November or December. These verify your exact Part B and Part D premiums and any income surcharges for the new year.
Plan non-renewal means you must switch
A Plan Non-Renewal or Termination Notice means your insurer is leaving your county or discontinuing your plan. This notice unlocks a special enrollment period so you can select a replacement plan before January 1.
Check formulary changes for prescriptions
Mid-year formulary notices and ANOC updates highlight shifts in drug coverage tiers, brand-to-generic substitutions or new prior authorization requirements. Compare Part D plans on Medicare.gov to find the lowest out-of-pocket cost for your medications.
Review past claims for errors
Check your 2026 Medicare Summary Notices or explanation of benefits to verify services you used, track deductible progress and ensure you aren't paying for services you never received before reevaluating your coverage.
December 7 deadline is final
December 7, 2027 is the last day to submit plan enrollment, switches or drops. After this deadline, your new coverage takes effect on January 1 and you're locked in for the year.
The essence
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2027. Watch for notices starting in September that detail plan changes, premium costs, and coverage gaps so you can make informed decisions before the deadline.
