2027 Medicare Changes: What to Watch—and What to Do Before Dec. 7!

What Medicare beneficiaries should know for 2027

Medicare changes often appear in the details—deductibles, drug tiers, provider networks, copayments, and new services. Original Medicare uses separate Part A and Part B deductibles, while Medicare Advantage plans set their own medical cost sharing. Reviewing your coverage before 2027 can help you avoid surprises and find a plan that better fits your health needs and budget.

Before you enroll

• Read your Annual Notice of Change for 2027 premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and benefit limits.
• Compare medical deductibles: Original Medicare has separate Part A and Part B deductibles; Medicare Advantage amounts vary by plan for covered services.
• Check every prescription against the plan’s 2027 formulary, tier, prior-authorization rules, quantity limits, and preferred-pharmacy network.
• Review the Part D deductible and estimated annual drug cost. Plans vary, and discount-card purchases do not count toward the Part D deductible or out-of-pocket limit. The maximum drug deductible for 2027 is $700, with an out-of-pocket limit for covered prescriptions purchased through the plan of $2,400. The drug deductible may not apply to some lower-tier generic drugs, depending on the plan.
• Confirm your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are in network, then compare copays and coinsurance—not just premiums. Some clinics may accept only certain Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plans or Original Medicare.
• If your plan is terminated or not renewed: Keep the notice and choose new coverage by its deadline. You get a Special Enrollment Period to join another Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or return to Original Medicare that expires on Feb 28, 2027, if you do not make a plan change prior to January 1; however, your coverage on your current plan terminates Dec. 31. Note: If your plan is terminated, this does allow you a guaranteed issue right to Medigap.

Take action this fall

Review your options during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15–December 7. Gather your medication list and provider names, work with an agent to provide you with an unbiased review and/or compare 2027 coverage at Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. A short review now may prevent higher costs or coverage gaps next year.

I will be glad to assist you with your options or just provide a second opinion.

Here’s to a healthy 2027!

Kathleen Allison • Your Medicare Maven • 206/930-3018  • yourmedicaremaven@gmail.com

Based on CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D updates and the Medicare & You 2027 handbook, available September 2026. CMS had not yet published the final 2027 Original Medicare Part A and Part B deductible amounts at publication; check Medicare.gov for updates. Costs, benefits, networks, and drug coverage vary by plan and location. Educational information only.