Older adults discussing their complete medication list with a pharmacist during a supportive pharmacy consultation
A pharmacist or prescriber can review prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements together to look for potential safety concerns.

Why medication safety matters during 2027 Annual Enrollment

On October 8, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings. Among the quality measures added for 2027 are two focused on prescription-drug safety: concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines and use of multiple anticholinergic medications in older adults.

These are published quality measures—not new bans on medicines or a directive to stop a prescription. They are part of how CMS evaluates plan performance. For beneficiaries, they are a useful reminder to review all medications with a qualified professional, especially when different doctors prescribe different treatments.

Enrollment dates: Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15–December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally begin January 1, 2027. A plan's Star Rating is one quality indicator, not a guarantee of individual drug coverage, medical suitability or cost.

First safety question: Do any of my medicines interact?

Opioids are sometimes prescribed for pain; benzodiazepines may be prescribed for certain anxiety, sleep or seizure conditions. Using them together can increase the risk of serious sedation and breathing problems. Medicare explains that plans and pharmacists perform medication safety checks, including for these combinations. The FDA also warns about benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal risks.

Some medications with anticholinergic effects can also create concerns when taken together, particularly for older adults. Depending on the medicine and the person, possible problems include confusion or other unwanted effects. The 2027 CMS measure tracks concurrent use of multiple anticholinergic drugs; it does not establish that every medicine in this category is inappropriate for every patient. Ask your clinician or pharmacist whether your particular combination deserves review.

Never stop, skip or reduce a prescribed medicine on the basis of a news article. Abruptly stopping certain medicines, including benzodiazepines, can be dangerous. Any change should be guided by the prescribing healthcare professional.

Don't forget over-the-counter products and supplements

The FDA's medication-safety guidance for older adults notes that taking multiple prescription and nonprescription products can increase the chance of side effects or interactions. The National Institute on Aging recommends maintaining a current list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products and supplements.

Bring that list to appointments and ask the pharmacist to check the complete combination—not only the prescriptions filled at one pharmacy. Include the dose, when you take each product, who prescribed it and why you use it.

Could a medication review also help reduce fall risk?

Some medicines can cause dizziness, drowsiness, slower reaction times or balance problems. The CDC's STEADI-Rx program encourages pharmacists and healthcare providers to work together to identify medication-related fall risks in older adults. Tell your care team about recent falls, near-falls, unusual sleepiness or confusion. Those symptoms deserve an individualized clinical assessment rather than an automatic medication change.

Ask whether your Part D plan offers Medication Therapy Management

Medicare Part D plans must offer a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program for beneficiaries who meet specified criteria or qualify through a drug management program. Medicare says eligible members can receive these services at no cost. They can include a comprehensive medication review with a pharmacist or other healthcare provider, a written summary and a personal medication list.

Not every Part D member automatically qualifies for MTM. If you manage several chronic conditions or take multiple medications, ask your current or prospective 2027 drug plan whether you qualify and how to schedule a review. CMS also publishes official MTM program requirements.

Five practical questions to ask before December 7

  1. Do my prescriptions, over-the-counter products or supplements interact? Ask your pharmacist to review the full list.
  2. Could any medicines be contributing to dizziness, sleepiness or falls? Share symptoms with your prescribing clinician.
  3. Would a comprehensive medication review help? Ask whether your Part D plan's MTM program is available to you.
  4. Are all my current drugs covered in 2027? Review the specific formulary, restrictions, pharmacies and estimated costs for each plan you are considering.
  5. How does plan quality fit with my needs? Consider Star Ratings alongside your doctors, drug coverage, pharmacy network and total anticipated expenses.

For help comparing 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage, Michael Johnson can review your plan options in the context of your prescriptions, healthcare needs and budget. Visit MedicareAdvisor4u.com and click the Book a Medicare Review button, or call 984-400-8451.

The takeaway: CMS's 2027 drug-safety measures are a prompt to ask good questions—not to change treatment on your own. Keep an up-to-date medication list, request a professional review when appropriate and compare 2027 drug coverage before December 7.
Educational information only. This article summarizes information from CMS, Medicare.gov, FDA, CDC and NIH/NIA available October 28, 2026. It is not individualized medical, pharmaceutical or insurance advice. Do not change or discontinue medication without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Medicare Advisors is an independent insurance agency, not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.