Medicare Annual Enrollment Checklist for 2027
Medicare Open Enrollment takes place every year from October 15 through December 7. During this period, people with Medicare can review their current coverage and, when appropriate, make changes for the following year. Changes submitted by December 7 generally take effect January 1.
Even if you are happy with your current plan, it is worth reviewing it. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their costs, covered prescriptions, pharmacies, provider networks and extra benefits from one year to the next.
Here is a practical checklist to help you prepare for 2027.
Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan should send you an Annual Notice of Change, commonly called an ANOC, in September. It explains changes taking effect in January.
Pay particular attention to:
Monthly premiums and deductibles
Doctor and hospital copays
Maximum out-of-pocket limits
Prescription coverage and drug tiers
Pharmacy and provider networks
Dental, vision and hearing benefits
Do not assume your plan will work exactly the same next year simply because its name has not changed.
Make a current medication list
Record every prescription you take, including its exact name, dosage, quantity and refill frequency. A plan that worked well last year could become more expensive if a medication changes tiers or receives a new coverage restriction.
Confirm your pharmacies
Prescription prices can vary by plan and pharmacy. Determine whether your pharmacy will be preferred, standard or outside the plan’s network in 2027.
Review your doctors and hospitals
If you have Medicare Advantage, verify that your doctors, specialists and hospitals will participate in the plan during 2027. Verify participation with both the plan and provider whenever possible.
Estimate your total cost
Do not compare plans using only their monthly premiums. Consider premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescriptions and maximum out-of-pocket limits.
A zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan does not mean zero-cost healthcare. You must also continue paying your Medicare Part B premium.
Consider your travel habits
If you travel frequently or spend part of the year outside Arkansas, review how your coverage handles routine and emergency care away from home.
Prepare for your appointment
Bring the following information to your Medicare review:
Medicare and insurance cards
Complete prescription list
Preferred doctors and pharmacies
Annual Notice of Change
Questions about your current coverage
Jared and Mandy Simms at Friendliest Agent help people throughout Northwest Arkansas review their Medicare options. Contact us to request a no-cost Medicare review before December 7.
This article is for general educational purposes. Plan availability, benefits, formularies, provider networks and costs vary. Friendliest Agent is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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