Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist for 2027 (Oct 15 – Dec 7)

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Whatever you choose starts January 1, 2027.

You don't have to change anything. But you should check. Plans can change their costs, drug lists, and networks every year. If you do nothing, you usually roll into next year with the same plan, changes and all.

So here's my checklist. Print it. Stick it on the fridge. Work through it one line at a time.

The mental model: an annual checkup for your coverage

You get a yearly physical even when you feel fine. Same idea here.

Open Enrollment isn't about fixing something broken. It's a yearly checkup on whether your coverage still fits your health, your doctors, and your wallet.

The analogy: spring cleaning the pantry

Once a year, you pull everything out of the pantry. You toss what expired. You notice you're out of the stuff you actually use. You put back only what fits.

Open Enrollment is pantry day for your Medicare. Pull it all out. Look at it. Put back what still works.

Part 1: Gather your stuff

Before you compare anything, get these on the kitchen table:

• [ ] Your Annual Notice of Change. If you're in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, it usually arrives in September. It lists what's changing in January.
• [ ] Your drug list. Every prescription, with the strength and how often you fill it.
• [ ] Your doctors. Primary care, specialists, and any hospital you'd want to use.
• [ ] Your pharmacy. The one you actually use.
• [ ] Your Medicare card.
• [ ] Last year's medical bills or statements. They show how you really used care.

Didn't get your Annual Notice of Change? Call your plan. Medicare says to contact them if it doesn't show up.

Part 2: Ask what changed in your life

• [ ] Did I start or stop any medications?
• [ ] Did I get a new diagnosis or have a surgery?
• [ ] Did I add a specialist?
• [ ] Am I planning more travel next year?
• [ ] Did my income drop? If so, I might qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program.

Part 3: Check your doctors and hospitals

If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan:

• [ ] Are my doctors still in network for 2027?
• [ ] Is my preferred hospital in network?
• [ ] Do I need referrals to see specialists?

Networks can change. Medicare says that in some plans, picking a primary doctor also picks the hospitals and specialists tied to that doctor. Check the 2027 provider directory, not last year's.

Part 4: Check your drugs

• [ ] Is every drug on the plan's 2027 formulary?
• [ ] Did any drug move to a higher tier?
• [ ] Are there new rules, like prior authorization or step therapy?
• [ ] Is my pharmacy in network, and is it preferred?

Two 2027 numbers worth knowing for Part D. The yearly cap on out-of-pocket drug costs goes to $2,400 in 2027. And the maximum standard deductible goes to $700. Plans can set lower deductibles.

For a deeper walkthrough, see my guide on how to compare Medicare drug plans. Or plug your drug list into our Medicare plan finder.

Part 5: Check the full-year cost

• [ ] Monthly premium x 12
• [ ] Deductibles
• [ ] Copays for the doctor visits I usually have
• [ ] Drug costs for the full year
• [ ] The plan's yearly out-of-pocket limit for medical care, if it's a Medicare Advantage plan

Add it up. The cheapest premium isn't always the cheapest year.

Part 6: Check the extras you actually use

• [ ] Dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Did it change?
• [ ] Coverage when I travel.

Don't pay for extras you won't use. Don't lose ones you count on.

Part 7: Know what Open Enrollment can and can't do

During Open Enrollment, you can: - Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or back - Switch Medicare Advantage plans - Join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan

What it doesn't do: give you a guaranteed right to switch Medicare Supplements. Supplements follow different rules. In most cases you'll answer health questions to switch. Missouri residents may have an anniversary rule to use instead.

Part 8: Mind the deadline

• [ ] Decide by early December. Your new plan has to get your request by December 7.
• [ ] You can change as many times as you want in the window. The last one by December 7 counts.
• [ ] Watch for your new plan's welcome materials before January 1.

Things I'd do (and never do)

1. I'd start in October. You'll have time to ask questions.
2. I'd check every drug and every doctor by name.
3. I'd compare the full-year cost, not just the premium.
4. I'd never toss the Annual Notice of Change unread. It's the most useful mail you'll get all year.
5. I'd never wait until December 6. Rushed choices are how folks end up stuck for a year.

Want to do the checklist together?

Bring your Annual Notice of Change, your drug list, and your doctor list. We'll go line by line with you.

Call (417) 633-7200, or stop by our Springfield office at 3616 S Campbell Ave. Near Joplin? Our Joplin office can help too.

Pantry day. Let's knock it out.

— Matt

Frequently asked questions

When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage?

October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. Your new plan has to get your request by December 7.

What should I review during Medicare Open Enrollment?

Your Annual Notice of Change, your drug list against the 2027 formulary, your doctors and pharmacy, and your full-year costs. Also note any changes in your health or income.

What if I miss the December 7 deadline?

If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may get one more change from January 1 to March 31. Otherwise, you generally need a qualifying life event to change plans. See my article on the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.

Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans during Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment doesn't give you a special right to switch supplements. In most cases, switching means answering health questions. Missouri's anniversary rule may help some residents.

What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?

The yearly cap on out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs is $2,400 in 2027. The maximum standard deductible is $700.