Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: What Seniors Should Compare Before December 7

Medicare Open Enrollment is an important opportunity to review health insurance and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. For 2027 coverage, the annual enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Any changes made during this period generally take effect on January 1, 2027.

Even if your current plan worked well this year, its premiums, covered medications, provider network and benefits may change. Comparing available options before the deadline can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make sure your coverage still meets your needs.

1. Compare Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare

Start by understanding the two main ways to receive Medicare coverage.

Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can generally visit any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. You may also purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan and consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy to help with certain out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide Part A and Part B coverage and often include prescription drug coverage, along with additional benefits such as dental, vision or hearing services.

Compare the differences in:

• Monthly premiums and annual costs
• Doctor and hospital access
• Prescription drug coverage
• Deductibles, copayments and coinsurance
• Out-of-pocket spending limits
• Additional benefits and coverage restrictions

The right option depends on your healthcare needs, preferred providers and budget.

2. Review Monthly Premiums and Other Costs

A low monthly premium does not necessarily mean a plan will cost less overall. Look at the deductible, copayments, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision.

For 2027, CMS projects the weighted average monthly premium across Medicare Advantage plans to be approximately $12. This is a national average, not a quote for an individual plan. Actual premiums vary by insurer, location and plan.

For stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, CMS projects an average monthly premium of approximately $36 in 2027. Your actual premium may be higher or lower depending on the plan you select.

Compare the total estimated annual cost of coverage, including regular medical appointments, specialist visits, hospital care and prescriptions.

3. Check Your Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription coverage deserves particular attention if you regularly take medication.

A plan that covered your prescriptions in 2026 may change its formulary, pharmacy network or cost-sharing rules for 2027. Before enrolling, check whether every medication you take is covered.

Review these details:

• Drug formulary: Is each medication included in the plan's covered-drug list?
• Drug tiers: Are your medications classified as preferred generic, generic, preferred brand or non-preferred?
• Copayments and coinsurance: How much will you pay when filling each prescription?
• Pharmacy network: Does the plan include your preferred pharmacy?
• Mail-order options: Can you receive eligible prescriptions through a mail-order service?

The maximum permitted Part D deductible for 2027 is $700, although some plans may have lower deductibles or no deductible. The annual out-of-pocket limit for covered Part D drugs will be $2,400 in 2027. After reaching the applicable limit, you generally pay nothing for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year.

4. Confirm Your Doctors and Hospital Network

If you are considering Medicare Advantage, make sure your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals participate in the plan's network.

Some plans use Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) networks, which generally require members to use network providers except for certain covered situations. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans may offer more flexibility to visit out-of-network providers, but those visits can cost more.

Ask these questions before switching:

• Are your primary care doctor and specialists in the network?
• Are your preferred hospitals included?
• Do you need referrals to see specialists?
• Are out-of-network services covered, and at what cost?
• Does the plan require prior authorization for certain treatments?

If you travel frequently or spend time in another state, consider how the plan handles routine care outside its service area.

5. Compare Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Limits

A deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before your insurance begins paying according to the plan's rules. Copayments are fixed amounts, while coinsurance is a percentage of the cost.

These expenses can vary considerably between plans.

For Medicare Advantage, compare the plan's annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered Part A and Part B services. This limit does not include everything you might spend, such as premiums, prescription drug costs or services that are not covered.

For Original Medicare, remember that it generally does not have an annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part A and Part B services. A Medigap policy may help cover certain expenses, depending on the policy.

6. Review Dental, Vision and Hearing Benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits that may not be covered by Original Medicare in routine circumstances.

Depending on the plan, additional benefits may include:

• Routine dental examinations and certain dental procedures
• Eye examinations, glasses or contact lens allowances
• Hearing tests and hearing aids
• Fitness or wellness programs
• Transportation to certain medical appointments
• Over-the-counter health product allowances

However, benefits can have annual limits, provider restrictions, eligibility conditions or other exclusions. Read the plan's Evidence of Coverage rather than assuming every advertised service is fully covered.

7. Check the Plan's 2027 Star Rating

Medicare uses a five-star rating system to evaluate Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Ratings consider factors such as customer service, member experience, quality of care and prescription drug services.

Review the 2027 rating for the specific plan or contract you are considering. A company's name alone does not tell you how every plan it sells performs. Ratings can differ between contracts and locations, and they should be considered alongside costs, benefits and provider access.

8. Understand the Important Enrollment Dates

Keep these dates in mind when reviewing your coverage:

• October 1, 2026: People with Medicare can begin comparing 2027 plans using the updated Medicare Plan Finder.
• October 15, 2026: Medicare Open Enrollment begins.
• December 7, 2026: Medicare Open Enrollment ends. Make most changes by this date.
• January 1, 2027: New coverage generally begins.

There is also a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31, 2027. People already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can generally switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this period. Different rules apply, so it should not be confused with the annual October–December enrollment period.

How to Compare Medicare Plans Before December 7

Use the official Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to review plans available in your ZIP code. Enter your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies to compare estimated drug costs, and check the provider networks and coverage documents for plans you are considering.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help comparing coverage and costs.

People who want to keep their existing Medicare coverage generally do not need to enroll again. However, reviewing the Annual Notice of Change from their insurer is important because plan costs, benefits and coverage rules may change.

Conclusion

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 ends on December 7, 2026. Before the deadline, compare Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare options, prescription drug coverage, premiums, deductibles, provider networks, out-of-pocket limits and additional benefits.

Do not choose a plan based only on its monthly premium or advertised extras. Review the complete coverage details and estimated yearly expenses to understand how each option fits your healthcare needs for 2027.