Have you looked at your Annual Notice of Change yet?
Medicare Annual Enrollment is here, and this is the time to start asking questions about your coverage for 2027.
Each year, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their premiums, copays, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, benefits, and other costs. Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) explains what is changing with your current plan for the upcoming year.
And even if you were happy with your coverage in 2026, that doesn’t automatically mean it will remain a good plan fit for you in 2027.
Medicare’s Annual/Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with plan changes generally taking effect January 1, 2027. Medicare beneficiaries can begin comparing 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D options before enrollment begins.
Start With One Question: How Did Your Coverage Work for YOU?
Medicare is individual coverage.
Your neighbor, spouse, friend, or family member may have completely different healthcare needs than you do. That is why choosing coverage should be about more than simply looking at a premium or hearing that a particular plan has great benefits.
Your Medicare review should start with you.
Ask yourself:
Did my plan work well for me in 2026?
Are my doctors still participating?
Have my prescriptions changed?
Are my medications still covered appropriately?
Have my copays or other out-of-pocket costs changed?
Did I use the additional benefits my plan offered?
Have my health needs changed?
What concerns do I have heading into 2027?
CMS projects that Medicare Advantage and Part D choices will remain widely available nationally for 2027, but the plans, benefits and costs available to any individual beneficiary depend on where they live and the specific plans offered in their area.
That is why an annual review matters.
Finding a “Good Plan Fit” Starts With Education
At The Geller Agency, my approach starts with Medicare education.
Before talking about changing coverage, we look at the things that actually matter:
Your doctors. Your medications. Your healthcare needs. Your budget. Your priorities.
Then we can evaluate the available Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D options and work toward identifying a good plan fit for YOU.
Sometimes the right answer may be changing coverage.
Sometimes the right answer may be staying exactly where you are.
The goal is not simply to change plans. The goal is to understand what you have, understand what is changing, and make an informed decision for the coming year.
But Your Medicare Plan Is Only Part of the Conversation
A strong healthcare strategy should also consider the expenses that Medicare coverage may not completely eliminate.
Hospital stays, specialist visits, copays, coinsurance and unexpected illnesses can create costs that become much more noticeable when a significant health event occurs.
That is why I believe in discussing total solutions, including ancillary coverage that may help provide additional financial protection where appropriate.
And there is another conversation that is often overlooked: Final Expense coverage.
Planning ahead can help ensure that when the time comes, your family can focus on celebrating your life instead of worrying about how to pay for it.
2027 Is Your Opportunity to Ask Questions
CMS currently projects the average Medicare Advantage premium nationally to decrease for 2027, while the average standalone Part D premium is projected to increase by less than $1 per month. But national averages don't tell you whether your particular plan is right for you.
Your doctors matter.
Your prescriptions matter.
Your financial situation matters.
Your health matters.
Your coverage should reflect YOUR needs.
So pull out that Annual Notice of Change. Take a look at what worked in 2026, what didn't, what is changing for 2027, and what questions you still have.
Then let's have the conversation.
Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7
Understand your Medicare. Find a good plan fit. Protect the gaps. Protect your family.
Andrew Geller
The Geller Agency provides Medicare education and assistance reviewing available coverage options. Plan availability, benefits, premiums, provider networks and prescription drug coverage vary by plan and service area.