Medicare open enrollment began Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through Dec. 7, the Associated Press reported. This is the yearly window when people can change their Medicare coverage for 2027, and several costs and rules are changing.
Coverage you pick during this period generally starts Jan. 1, 2027. Enrollment is not automatic, and anyone who switches plans has to set it up with the new plan rather than the old one.
What you can change
During open enrollment, people with Original Medicare can change their Part D prescription drug plan. In some states they can also switch Medigap plans, or move from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare. People already in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. The official Medicare plan comparison tool at Medicare.gov lists the options in your area.
What is changing in 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket cap: rises to $2,400.
- Part D deductible: the standard deductible goes from $615 to $700, according to Medicare.gov.
- Part D premium subsidy: a temporary federal subsidy that helped offset premiums ends at the end of this year.
- Drug price negotiation: new negotiated prices take effect for 15 drugs, including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expects this to lower spending by $685 million in 2027.
- Prior authorization: starting Jan. 1, 2027, Medicare Advantage plans can handle prior authorization requests electronically and let patients check decisions in their online portals.
What Part B will cost
The final 2027 Part B premium has not been announced. The Medicare trustees estimate the standard monthly premium will go from $202.90 in 2026 to about $209.50 in 2027. They also project the yearly Part B deductible will rise from $283 to $292. The government is expected to announce the official numbers later this fall.
For most people on Social Security, the Part B premium comes straight out of their monthly check. That means part of the 3.6% Social Security raise for 2027 may go toward higher Medicare costs.
The $90 payments
Last week, President Donald Trump said the administration will make one-time payments of $90 per person in October to help more than 20 million Medicare enrollees pay their Part B premiums. That is less than one third of all enrollees. Others will get a paper check from the Treasury Department later in October.
Why experts say to compare plans
Juliette Cubanski, who directs the Medicare policy program at KFF, said open enrollment is a chance to look at your current coverage and see if another option would give you the care you need at a lower cost. The monthly premium is only one part of the picture. Deductibles, drug coverage and which doctors are in the network can change from year to year.
Key dates
- Oct. 15: open enrollment begins.
- Dec. 7: open enrollment ends.
- Jan. 1, 2027: new coverage starts.
People who are turning 65 have a separate enrollment period tied to their birthday. Official guidance is available at Medicare.gov, and state health insurance assistance programs offer free help.
