With October in full swing, that means it’s that time of year again — no, not Halloween — although the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period can sometimes feel just as scary.
This year, the open enrollment season for Medicare health and drug plans runs between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7.
That nearly eight-week stretch is when seniors 65 and older, and younger Americans with long-term disabilities, can switch providers of their comprehensive health and drug plans.
Other Medicare enrollees can also make changes.
Here are some of the things you need to know while making your Medicare choices.
Key Dates & Rules
Enrollment Window: October 15 – December 7, 2026 (requests must be received by December 7).
Effective Date: January 1, 2027.
No Action Needed: If you are happy with your current coverage and it is still offered next year, your plan renews automatically.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a single change or switch back to Original Medicare between January 1 and March 31, 2027.
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(Shutterstock)
Getting started
There are now more options to log into your Medicare.gov account Medicare.gov now offers ID.me, CLEARme.com, and Login.gov to help prevent fraud and keep your health information secure. These free services verify your identity online or in-person, and give you other ways to log into your Medicare account besides using a username and password.
Open enrollment scams are on the rise
Open enrollment scammers have already set their sights on potential victims. The rising costs of medical services and equipment mean that scammers are making more money than ever, and the lucrative racket is not slowing down any time soon.
According to Medicare officials, open enrollment scams most often revolve around Medicare card numbers. That’s the code your doctors use to reimburse themselves and their staff for medical services.
Here are some signs of a scam:
- A stranger calls you before sending a new Medicare card.
- Someone tells you that you’ve qualified for a better, cheaper plan.
- A scammer “spoofs” the phone number of a legitimate organization so it looks familiar on a caller ID.
- The caller informs you that you’re eligible for free tests, durable medical equipment or services.
These are the biggest changes from 2026 to 2027 as outlined by Medicare officials:
- Eligibility changes: Rules for 2027 eligibility are more specific than current rules. Starting next year, you must be either a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a Cuban-Haitian entrant, or lawfully living in the U.S. as a Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrant to get Medicare coverage.
- Increased out-of-pocket costs for Part D coverage : Medicare beneficiaries will see their Part D costs increase slightly next year. The deductible will increase from a maximum of $615 in 2026 to $700 in 2027. Additionally, the annual out-of-pocket maximum is increasing from $2,100 in 2026 to $2,400 in 2027.
- ACCESS model: Coverage for chronic health care conditions are changing with the launch of a new ACCESS (Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions) model This is a voluntary option for those on original Medicare. It connects your doctor with participating providers and resources.
- Virtual Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program: Seniors with pre-diabetes or who meet other eligibility requirements have the option to take a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program that can teach them how to maintain healthy habits. This course has been offered in years past at in-person locations. Beginning in 2027, seniors on Medicare will also have the option to attend these sessions virtually.
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(Shutterstock)
What’s changing in Medicare drug costs and coverage in 2027:
Medicare Advantage is the alternative to traditional Medicare, with insurance plans offered through private companies. It covers more than half of all Medicare enrollees, or about 36 million people.
The maximum Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket cost for 2027 will be $9,850, up from $9,250 for covered in-network services, and a total of $14,800, up from $13,900 for combined in-network and out-of-network services, such as those offered by a PPO.
Some Medicare Advantage plans are also cutting back in less-obvious ways. For example, rather than eliminating coverage for dental care, they might reduce the annual coverage maximum or eliminate coverage for some expensive procedures, such as dental implants,
The average Medicare beneficiary has 28 Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan options for 2027, down from 31 this year, according to an analysis by KFF.
Some enrollees will face substantially higher Part D premiums.
The standard Part D deductible will jump to $700 next year, up from $615
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(Shutterstock)
Read the fine print:
About 7 in 10 people with Medicare don’t shop around during the open enrollment period. Most people stick with the plan that they have from one year to the next unless the plan is withdrawn from the market, or there’s a substantial premium change. The market has become more complex, often overwhelming customers who decide to sit it out.
But customers can look carefully at the copayments and other out-of-pocket expenses for the type of medical care they frequently use, any procedures they expect to need in the upcoming year, and the plan’s copayments for the first several days of a hospital stay.
Can a customer sign up for Medicare during open enrollment?
No, customers can’t sign up for Medicare for the first time during Medicare open enrollment. This period applies to people already enrolled in Medicare.
A customer new to Medicare, can sign up during your initial enrollment period. It generally starts three months before a customer’s 65th birthday month and ends three months after. If you missed that window, you might be able to sign up during a special enrollment period or during the general enrollment period (Jan. 1 to March 31)
Resources are available to assist Medicare beneficiaries in understanding their coverage options
People with Medicare can learn more about Medicare coverage options and the features of different plan options by reviewing the Medicare & You handbook.
In addition, people can review and compare the Medicare options available in their area by using the Medicare Plan Compare website, a searchable tool on the Medicare.gov website, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by contacting their local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs offer local, personalized counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Contact information for state SHIPs can be found by calling 877-839-2675 or by checking the listings provided on the Medicare.gov website or the SHIP website.
Additionally, many people use insurance agents and brokers to navigate their coverage options. While independent agents and brokers can be helpful, they are often financially compensated by private insurers for enrolling people in their plans, and may receive higher commissions.