October 1 is your chance to get a head start
The new Medicare plan year deserves a fresh look—even if you liked your coverage this year. Starting October 1, 2026, you can preview and compare 2027 Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan information on Medicare.gov. This gives you time to check what is changing before the annual enrollment window opens.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during that period generally take effect January 1, 2027. October 1 begins the comparison period; it does not open the annual enrollment window. Other enrollment opportunities may apply depending on your circumstances.
Today's release concerns private Medicare Advantage and Part D plan options. It does not mean every Medicare cost, including the standard Part B premium, is announced on October 1.
1. Read your Annual Notice of Change
Start with the Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC, from your current Medicare plan. It explains changes in coverage, costs, and other plan terms for the coming January. If you cannot find it, request a copy from your plan.
Highlight anything that affects care you actually use. Make a short list of questions before comparing alternatives: Has a copay changed? Is an important prescription treated differently? Will the benefits you rely on still be available? Use the 2027 version of your current plan as your starting point.
3. Check every prescription for 2027
Make a current medication list with exact names, dosages, forms, quantities, and refill frequency. Check each drug against the 2027 formulary—the plan's covered-drug list—and review its tier and estimated cost.
Also look for prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits. A drug appearing on the formulary does not settle every question about access. Ask your prescriber and the plan about any restriction that may affect ongoing treatment.
4. Verify your pharmacy and preferred pricing
Confirm that the pharmacies you use participate in the plan's 2027 network. Then check whether they are preferred pharmacies, which may offer lower cost sharing than other in-network locations.
Compare convenient options using the same medication list. Include mail order if it suits you, and verify specialty-pharmacy requirements when relevant. A cheaper prescription is less useful if the location, delivery schedule, or refill process does not fit your routine.
5. Confirm doctors and hospitals before switching
If you are considering Medicare Advantage, check your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred hospitals against the specific plan's 2027 network. Accepting Medicare is different from participating in a particular Medicare Advantage plan.
Confirm participation with both the plan and your providers. Ask about referrals, prior authorization, out-of-network costs, and non-emergency care while traveling. Use the exact plan name when asking; one insurer may offer several plans with different arrangements.
6. Review copays, coinsurance, and your medical spending limit
Look beyond a routine doctor visit. Review the cost of specialist appointments, hospital stays, outpatient surgery, imaging, therapy, and medical equipment you may use. With coinsurance, your share is a percentage rather than a fixed dollar amount.
For Medicare Advantage, review the annual out-of-pocket limit for covered medical services and any separate in-network and combined limits. Do not treat that figure as a cap on every household Medicare expense: premiums and Part D prescription spending are separate. Balance an ordinary year's budget with what you could afford in a year with greater medical needs.
7. Read the details behind extra benefits
Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits can be helpful, but review their limits and conditions. Ask which providers participate, which services qualify, whether there is an allowance or annual maximum, and what you pay beyond it.
Write down the benefits you would actually use. Give your doctors, medications, and overall costs the attention they deserve before letting an attractive extra benefit decide the comparison.
What to do between now and October 15
Gather your ANOC, current plan information, medication list, preferred pharmacies, and provider names. Note anticipated care and your budget, then compare available 2027 plans using consistent information.
If you are considering moving from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, investigate prescription coverage and Medigap eligibility before making the change. Fall Open Enrollment does not automatically give everyone a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy. If you have employer or retiree coverage, check with the benefits administrator before changing it.
Review official plan documents and resolve unanswered questions before enrolling. Keeping a plan may be a reasonable choice when it remains available and still fits your needs; an annual review does not obligate you to switch.
Get help with your Medicare review
Sonon Insurance can help you understand Medicare options we offer where we are licensed and appointed. Bring your prescription list, doctors, pharmacies, and current plan documents so the discussion starts with your needs.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get information on all of your options.
Helpful resources
Coverage, eligibility, and plan terms vary by carrier and state. This article is general information, not a promise of coverage or individualized financial advice.
