Older couple organizing prescriptions, plan documents and a laptop while preparing to compare Medicare coverage
A little preparation before October can make your 2027 Medicare plan review more focused and useful.

Why October 1 matters

Medicare’s official Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. CMS says information about next year’s Medicare health and drug plans becomes available beginning in October. Medicare also notes that insurance organizations can begin marketing plans for the coming year on October 1.

That makes the final days of September a good time to organize the information you will need before comparing 2027 choices.

Build your personal Medicare review checklist

Before comparing plans, gather the details that can materially affect whether a plan fits your needs:

  • Your current plan documents: Keep your Annual Notice of Change handy and note changes that deserve a closer look.
  • Your prescriptions: Make a current medication list with drug name, dosage and frequency. Drug formularies, tiers and coverage rules can change.
  • Your preferred pharmacies: Pharmacy network status can affect what you pay under Part D or Medicare Advantage drug coverage.
  • Your doctors and facilities: If you use Medicare Advantage, list the physicians, hospitals and specialists you want to keep so you can verify network participation for 2027.
  • Your expected healthcare use: Consider recurring specialist visits, outpatient procedures, therapies, durable medical equipment and other services you expect to use.
  • Your priorities: Decide which factors matter most—total expected cost, provider access, prescription coverage, travel flexibility or supplemental benefits.

Compare more than the premium

A lower monthly premium does not automatically mean lower total cost. CMS reminds beneficiaries that Medicare health and drug plans can change their costs, coverage, provider networks and pharmacy networks each year. When 2027 plan information is available, compare the combination of premiums, deductibles, copays or coinsurance, drug costs, network access and coverage rules that apply to you.

Be careful with the increase in Medicare advertising

October also brings more plan marketing. Medicare says plan marketing materials can begin arriving in October and should be used to compare options. Advertising can be useful, but it is not a substitute for checking official plan information. Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE remain official sources for Medicare information.

What you can change during Open Enrollment

From October 15 through December 7, people with Medicare can make certain changes for the following year, including switching Medicare Advantage plans, changing Medicare drug plans, moving from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or moving from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.

If you are considering a move from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and want Medigap coverage, remember that Medigap eligibility and underwriting rules can be different from Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment rules. Do not cancel existing coverage until you understand what coverage you can obtain and when it will begin.

The Medicare Minute takeaway: You do not need to choose a 2027 plan today. Use the remaining days before October to organize your prescriptions, providers, pharmacies, current plan changes and priorities. Then compare the actual 2027 plan information when it becomes available.
Educational information only. This article summarizes public Medicare information and is not a complete description of benefits. Plan availability, premiums, benefits, networks, formularies, costs and enrollment eligibility vary by plan, location and individual circumstances.