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Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist

Every fall, Medicare open enrollment lets you change your Medicare Advantage or drug plan for next year. Here's a simple checklist to review your coverage, what's changing for 2027, how to compare plans and where to get free, unbiased help.

By Pond.com editors Updated 2 min read

An older couple reviewing Medicare plans in the fall

Quick answer

  • Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, and changes start January 1.
  • Read your plan's Annual Notice of Change, which explains what's changing next year.
  • Check that your doctors, pharmacies and prescriptions are still covered.
  • Compare plans on Medicare.gov using your actual prescriptions.
  • In 2027, the yearly cap on Part D out-of-pocket drug costs rises to $2,400.

Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. It's your chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans, change drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Plans change their costs and coverage every year, so a quick review can save money and avoid surprises.

This article is general information, not medical or financial advice. Check Medicare.gov for current details.

Your checklist

  1. Read your Annual Notice of Change. Your plan sends it each fall, explaining changes to premiums, copays, networks and drug coverage.
  2. List your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, and check they're still in-network.
  3. List your prescriptions, with exact names and doses.
  4. Compare plans on Medicare.gov's plan finder, which shows your estimated yearly costs.
  5. Look at total costs, not just premiums: deductibles, copays and the out-of-pocket limit.
  6. Check extra benefits, like dental, vision or hearing, if they matter to you.
  7. Make your choice by December 7. Coverage starts January 1.
Prescription bottles and reading glasses on a table

What's changing for 2027

  • The Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400 for the year, up from $2,100 in 2026.
  • The standard Part D deductible rises to $700.
  • Negotiated prices for more drugs take effect, which may lower costs for some prescriptions.

Plans may also change their premiums, networks and drug lists, which is why reviewing yours matters.

Watch out for

  • Pushy sales calls and ads. Medicare plans can't call you without permission. Never give your Medicare number to someone who calls you unexpectedly.
  • "Free" extras that come with a narrower network or higher costs elsewhere.
  • Switching away from Medigap. If you have a Medigap policy, you may not be able to get it back later.

If you need help with costs

You may qualify for Extra Help with drug costs or a Medicare Savings Program for help with premiums. Apply through Social Security or your state Medicaid office.

Common questions

Most people stay in their current plan for next year, with any changes the plan has made to costs, networks and drug lists. That can work fine, but it's worth checking, as a plan that suited you this year may not next year.

Yes, during open enrollment, and also from January 1 to March 31 if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan. Getting a Medigap policy afterward may be harder in many states, so check the rules before switching.

Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling. You can also use the plan finder on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Part of our guide to medicare basics Medicare Explained: Parts A, B, C and D

Keep reading

Medicare Medicare Explained: Parts A, B, C and D Medicare Medicare Part D: How Drug Plans Work Medicare When to Sign Up for Medicare (and Avoid Penalties)