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- calendar_today November 11, 2026
Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline Approaches
Millions of seniors across the United States have until December 7 to review and update their Medicare coverage for 2027. Even if you are satisfied with your current plan, experts recommend reviewing your options carefully, as health plans can change significantly each year in terms of premiums, prescription drug coverage, and provider networks.
Reviewing Annual Notice of Change
Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan typically receive an "Annual Notice of Change" each September, highlighting updates to their coverage for the coming year. However, even if you do not receive this notice, it is advised to review your current plan to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
Jessica Rivkin, vice president of Reliance Medicare Advisors, stresses the importance of examining plan changes, regardless of whether you get a mailed notification. "Pay attention to those notices, and frankly, even if you don't receive an annual notice of change, you still want to review your current plan and make sure that it is the right one for you," she said.
Medicare Advantage vs. Traditional Medicare
One major decision involves choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Traditional Medicare requires people to choose Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and consider Medigap insurance to help with out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage, managed by private insurers, often combines all these features into a single plan, which can simplify selection for many.
Alex Cottrill, senior policy analyst with KFF's program on Medicare policy, explained, "You only have to pick one plan rather than having these modular options that you have in traditional Medicare." However, Medicare Advantage plans tend to have stricter provider network rules. Limited networks can impact those requiring access to a preferred doctor or multiple specialists, especially if a plan only covers in-network providers or imposes higher costs for out-of-network care.
Additionally, switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare later could lead to higher Medigap premiums, especially for older participants or those with pre-existing conditions, as noted by Cottrill.
Comparing Medicare Plans Effectively
To compare available Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, Cottrill recommends using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Plan Finder tool. While this is a helpful starting point, experts caution that people should also verify information independently—especially for critical coverage needs. This may involve reaching out to individual plans and providers directly.
Individuals can also call 1-800-Medicare or work with their State Health Insurance Assistance Program for more personalized counseling. Some may choose to consult a broker, but Cottrill advises seeking second opinions since brokers may be paid on commission and have a financial interest in the selection.
Important Enrollment Deadlines and Special Periods
The choices made during the current open enrollment period will become effective January 1, 2027. Medicare Advantage enrollees also have an additional window from January 1 to March 31 to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to original Medicare (with the option to enroll in a Part D plan).
Certain individuals may also qualify for special enrollment periods if they experience moves or lose access to their existing coverage. Experts advise starting the enrollment process early, as researching options and confirming provider details can take time. "This can be a really complicated decision for some people, so take the time to get comfortable with the questions you have, what you need in 2027, and make sure that you're getting all of your needs covered," Rivkin said.
Source: cbsnews.com.
