1. Watch for your Annual Notice of Change
Medicare says your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change, often called an ANOC, each fall. It explains changes in coverage, costs, and other plan details that take effect in January. The 2027 Medicare & You handbook says Medicare Advantage and drug plans must send a printed or electronic copy by September 30. If it does not arrive, contact the plan and confirm that your mailing and electronic-delivery information are correct.
2. Compare next year's full cost—not only the premium
Look for changes to the monthly premium, medical or drug deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and the Medicare Advantage maximum out-of-pocket limit. Then focus on services you are likely to use, such as specialists, outpatient procedures, hospital care, therapy, or durable medical equipment. A zero-dollar plan premium does not mean health care is free, and a higher premium does not automatically mean a plan is a better fit.
3. Recheck doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies
Provider and pharmacy participation can change. Confirm each doctor, specialist, preferred hospital, pharmacy, and other important provider directly with the plan for 2027. Do not rely only on last year's directory or a provider's general statement that it 'takes Medicare.' Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage use different provider rules, and Medicare Advantage network requirements vary by plan type.
4. Review every prescription from the beginning
Make a current list of each medicine, dosage, quantity, and preferred pharmacy. Check whether each drug remains on the 2027 formulary, whether its tier changed, and whether prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits apply. Also compare estimated annual costs—not only the price of the first refill—because pharmacy status, deductibles, and cost-sharing can affect what you pay.
5. Read the limits on extra benefits
Dental, vision, hearing, transportation, fitness, food, and over-the-counter benefits can be useful, but the details matter. Review allowances, frequency limits, eligible items, provider networks, prior authorization, service areas, and unused-benefit rules. A large advertised allowance may not equal the amount you can use for every service.
6. Know what Medicare Open Enrollment allows
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. During that period, people with Medicare can make certain changes, including switching Medicare Advantage plans, joining or changing a stand-alone drug plan when eligible, or changing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes submitted by December 7 generally take effect January 1. If you move from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and want Medigap, do not assume a policy will be available without medical underwriting; Medigap rights and timing can depend on your circumstances and state law.
7. Compare only after you know what matters to you
Write down your must-haves before comparing plans: doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, travel needs, budget, and benefits you actually use. Medicare.gov's Plan Compare tool can show available health and drug plans in your ZIP code. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for free counseling, or work with a licensed broker who represents plans in your area.
Your September review checklist
Keep your ANOC, current plan card, medication list, provider list, preferred pharmacies, and questions together. Circle every 2027 change that affects your care or budget. You do not have to change plans just because Open Enrollment arrives—but you should understand what staying means before January does the explaining for you.
Authoritative sources
Rules and figures were reviewed September 15, 2026.
- Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)Medicare.gov
- Medicare Open EnrollmentMedicare.gov
- Medicare & You 2027Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Understanding Medicare Advantage PlansCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Get Medigap BasicsMedicare.gov
This article provides general Medicare education and is not legal, tax, investment, medical, or plan-specific advice. Plan availability, provider networks, formularies, costs, benefits, and eligibility vary by location and individual circumstances. Integrity Financial Solutions does not represent every plan available in every area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for information about all available options.