7 Medicare Enrollment Tips for 2027 – Wilmington NC

What You Need to Know About Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027

Medicare plans can change every year, which is why reviewing your coverage annually is extremely important. Premiums, deductibles, copays, prescription drug formularies, provider networks, and extra benefits may all change for 2027.

Whether you are currently enrolled in Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, taking time to review your options during the Annual Enrollment Period may help you avoid unnecessary healthcare expenses and coverage surprises.

1. Review Your Medicare Part D Drug Plan Every Year

Prescription drug plans can change formularies, preferred pharmacies, copays, and deductibles every year. A medication covered in 2026 may move to a higher tier or may no longer be covered in 2027.

If your medications have changed or your current plan is increasing costs, it may make sense to compare other Medicare Part D plans during Open Enrollment.

2. Understand What Original Medicare Does — and Does Not — Cover

Original Medicare includes:

• Part A: Hospital and inpatient coverage
• Part B: Medical and outpatient services

However, Original Medicare generally does not cover:

• Dental care
• Vision services
• Hearing aids
• Long-term custodial care
• Most prescription drugs

Medicare typically pays about 80% of approved Part B charges, leaving beneficiaries responsible for the remaining 20% unless they have additional coverage.

3. Compare Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage Plans

Many people are surprised to learn how different Medicare plans can be from one company to another.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans may help cover:

• Deductibles
• Coinsurance
• Copays
• Hospital expenses

Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits such as:

• Dental coverage
• Vision benefits
• Hearing coverage
• Fitness memberships
• Prescription drug coverage

The right option depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, health conditions, and financial goals.

4. Check Provider Networks Before Switching Plans

Not all doctors, hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies participate in every Medicare Advantage plan.

Before enrolling in a new plan for 2027, verify that your preferred:

• Primary care physician
• Specialists
• Hospitals
• Pharmacies

are still in-network.

5. Know the Difference Between Medicare Parts A, B, C & D

• Part A: Hospital coverage
• Part B: Medical and outpatient coverage
• Part C: Medicare Advantage plans offered through private insurance companies
• Part D: Prescription drug coverage

Understanding how these parts work together can help you avoid gaps in coverage and unexpected expenses.

6. Review Your Costs Beyond the Monthly Premium

A low monthly premium does not always mean lower total healthcare costs.

Be sure to review:

• Copays
• Coinsurance
• Deductibles
• Out-of-pocket maximums
• Drug costs
• Specialist visit fees

Sometimes a plan with a slightly higher premium may offer lower overall healthcare expenses depending on your medical needs.

7. Work with a Medicare Specialist

Medicare can feel confusing, especially because plans and benefits change yearly. Working with an experienced Medicare specialist may help simplify the process and ensure you fully understand your options.

A Medicare review may help identify:

• Potential savings opportunities
• Coverage gaps
• Prescription cost changes
• Network limitations
• Additional plan benefits

2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Dates

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
October 15, 2026 – December 7, 2026

During this period, Medicare beneficiaries may:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
• Change Medicare Advantage plans
• Join or change a Medicare Part D drug plan
• Drop prescription drug coverage