How to get a head start on 2027 so you can have peace of mind about your plan choice
Whether you’re just getting started on your Medicare journey or looking to switch from your current plan, you deserve to feel confident that you have the right Medicare coverage. After all, your Medicare plan is one of the most important choices you’ll make about your health from this point forward.
Let’s dive in!
When can I enroll in Medicare?
You’re first eligible during the seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday. This includes the month you turn 65 and the three months before and after.
Additionally, every year from October 15 through December 7, you can switch, drop, or join a different Medicare plan of your choosing during the Annual Enrollment Period. Your plan selection becomes effective January 1 of the following year.
Should I choose a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO?
With Medicare Advantage plans, which combine all the benefits of Original Medicare plus may provide additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, you have the choice between a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
- HMO
In an HMO, you choose your primary care doctor from your plan’s network. These doctors have agreed to provide care at a discounted rate, which lowers your out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network care providers generally aren’t covered unless there’s an emergency or you have an approved referral from your doctor.
Additionally, most HMO plans require a referral for some specialist visits, but others don’t, like dentists, chiropractors, mental health professionals, podiatrists, preventive care, and more.
- PPO
With a PPO, you can select doctors from inside your plan’s network for the greatest savings, but you also have the flexibility to use healthcare professionals who are not part of the network. This includes when you travel out of state.
However, unless you’re getting care due to an emergency, going outside of your network may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I best prepare for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
October 15 will be here before you know it. Get ahead by assessing your health priorities now and reviewing whether your current coverage meets your needs. It’s a good idea to make a list of your doctors and prescriptions. Also, ask yourself questions that will help guide your Medicare next steps, like:
✓ Has my health changed in the last year?
✓ Are the services I need covered?
✓ Are my doctors in network?
✓ Are my prescriptions covered?
✓ Does my plan include the money-saving benefits
I need, like dental coverage or over-the-counter
allowances for everyday care items?
✓ Does my coverage travel with me wherever I go?
Above all, one of the best ways to prepare is to determine what matters most to you with your Medicare coverage. Maybe it’s keeping your costs as low as possible, or perhaps it’s keeping your preferred doctors no matter what. Whether it’s making sure you can choose doctors without needing a referral or ensuring you can get in-network coverage even if you travel outside the state, figure out your top plan priorities and don’t compromise.
Where can I get personalized guidance to choose the right Medicare Advantage plan?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local, licensed Florida Blue Medicare agent who’ll answer your questions, help you perform a benefits checkup to determine your coverage needs, and find the right Medicare plan for you. Get connected with an agent today by visiting FloridaBlue.com/Medicare. And while you’re there, be sure to check out our useful
guides, checklists, and additional resources to help you to choose your 2027 Medicare plan with confidence.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
