Medicare Changes in 2027: What You Need to Know

Medicare can change from year to year, and individual Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change, too. If you have Medicare, the 2026 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is an important opportunity to review your current coverage and see what’s changing for 2027.

Medicare AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, reviewing your plan can help you avoid surprises involving costs, prescription drugs, provider networks, or benefits in the new year.

 

 

What Medicare Changes Should You Review for 2027?

For 2027, Medicare beneficiaries should review both Medicare changes and changes made by their individual Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.

Pay particular attention to:

• Monthly premiums and deductibles
• Copays and coinsurance
• Prescription drug coverage and formularies
• Pharmacy networks
• Medicare Advantage provider networks
• Prior authorization and other coverage requirements
• Supplemental benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans
• Annual out-of-pocket limits, when applicable

Your current plan may still be available in 2027, but that doesn’t necessarily mean its costs, network, drug coverage, or benefits will remain the same.

 

When Is Medicare Annual Enrollment for 2027?

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026.

During AEP, people with Medicare can generally:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, change, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1, 2027.

 

 

What Should You Check in Your Annual Notice of Change?

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall explaining changes that will take effect the following January.

Review this notice carefully for changes involving:

• Premiums and other costs
• Covered services
• Prescription drug coverage
• Provider or pharmacy networks
• Plan rules and requirements
• Supplemental Medicare Advantage benefits

Don’t assume your coverage will stay the same simply because you plan to remain enrolled in the same plan.

 

What Is Changing With Medicare Part D in 2027?

Prescription drug coverage deserves particular attention when reviewing Medicare plans for 2027.

Recent federal changes have significantly reshaped Medicare Part D, including an annual limit on what beneficiaries pay out of pocket for covered Part D drugs (2). That threshold can change each year, so beneficiaries should review the official 2027 Medicare figures and their individual plan information.

Individual Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can also make changes to:

• Covered medications
• Formularies
• Drug tiers
• Preferred pharmacies
• Copays and coinsurance
• Prior authorization and other coverage requirements

Before choosing a plan, list the medications you currently take and compare estimated costs under the plans available to you. The Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov can help you compare options.

 

What’s New for Medicare in San Diego County?

Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan availability can vary by county, ZIP code, and insurer. San Diego residents may have new or updated options for 2027, so compare available plans rather than assuming last year’s coverage will remain unchanged.

 

New Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans

New Medicare Advantage (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) may be available in San Diego County for 2027.

 

Medicare Advantage PPO Options

New Medicare Advantage PPO options may also be available to San Diego County residents for 2027.

If keeping your current primary care doctor or specialists is important, confirm that they participate in the specific 2027 plan you’re considering before enrolling.

 

Diabetes Medications and Supplies

Some Medicare plans may offer lower costs for certain diabetes medications, supplies, or related services.

If you have diabetes, compare your medications and supplies under each plan you’re considering rather than focusing on the premium alone.

 

Supplemental Medicare Advantage Benefits

Depending on the plan, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries may have access to supplemental benefits beyond Original Medicare, potentially including dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, or other needs.

Availability, eligibility, limitations, and costs can vary significantly by plan.

 

If you’re considering Medicare Advantage for the first time, understanding how Medicare Advantage compares with other Medicare coverage options can make plan comparisons easier.

 

Will Your Doctors Still Accept Your Medicare Plan in 2027?

Provider networks can change, so this is an important question to answer before switching Medicare Advantage plans.

When comparing coverage, check whether your:

• Primary care physician
• Specialists
• Preferred hospitals
• Pharmacies

participate in the specific plan you’re considering for 2027.

Don’t rely solely on information from previous years. Confirm current participation with the plan and, when appropriate, your healthcare provider.

 

What Should You Do Before Changing Medicare Plans?

A lower premium or attractive additional benefit doesn’t necessarily mean a Medicare plan will cost you less overall or best match your healthcare needs.

Before making a change, ask:

• Are my doctors and preferred hospitals in the plan’s network?
• Are my prescriptions covered, and what will they cost?
• What are the premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, and potential out-of-pocket costs?
• Are my preferred pharmacies in the plan’s network?
• Will I actually use the plan’s additional benefits?

For more help evaluating your options, read 5 Questions to Ask Before Making a Medicare Change.

Compare the complete package rather than choosing a plan based on a single premium, benefit, or advertisement.

 

Do You Have to Change Medicare Plans During AEP?

No. You don’t have to change Medicare plans simply because it’s the Annual Enrollment Period.

However, it’s still a good idea to review your coverage. Your healthcare needs may have changed, and your current plan may change its costs, formulary, provider network, or benefits for 2027.

If your existing coverage still meets your needs after you review those changes, you may decide to keep it.

AEP isn’t the only time some beneficiaries can change coverage. Learn more in When Can I Change My Medicare Plan?

 

Your 2027 Medicare AEP Checklist

Before December 7, consider taking these steps:

• Read your Annual Notice of Change.
• Make a current list of your doctors and specialists.
• List your medications, dosages, and preferred pharmacies.
• Check whether your healthcare providers participate in the plan you’re considering.
• Review prescription drug formularies and estimated costs.
• Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits.
• Consider whether you’ll actually use supplemental benefits.
• Compare plans available in your ZIP code through Medicare.gov.
• Ask questions before enrolling if anything is unclear.

Taking time to compare your options can help you choose coverage that better matches your healthcare needs and budget for 2027.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Changes for 2027

Understanding a few key dates and rules can make Medicare Annual Enrollment easier to navigate.

 

When is Medicare AEP for 2027 coverage?

Medicare AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026, and coverage changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1, 2027.

 

Do I need to re-enroll in Medicare every year?

Usually, no. Your coverage generally continues unless you make a change or your plan is no longer available to you. However, reviewing your coverage every year is important because costs and benefits can change.

 

Can my Medicare Advantage plan change every year?

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans can change annually in costs, benefits, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and plan requirements, subject to Medicare rules.

 

Can my prescription coverage change for 2027?

Yes. Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage can change formularies, drug tiers, pharmacy networks, cost-sharing, and coverage requirements.

 

Where can I compare Medicare plans for 2027?

You can use the official Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare Medicare plans available in your area. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE for information and assistance.

 

Prepare for Medicare AEP With Confidence

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period allows you to make sure your coverage still fits your healthcare needs for the coming year. Before selecting 2027 Medicare coverage, review your current plan, doctors, prescription drugs, costs, and the changes described in your plan documents.

If you’re a San Diego resident and have questions about Medicare options, Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups works with Caress Insurance Agency, LLC to help answer Medicare questions. Contact us to learn more about your options.

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