Medicare Open Enrollment is here! Whether you’re happy with your current Medicare plan or wondering if there’s a better option available, now is the time to review your coverage and make sure it still meets your healthcare needs.
Medicare plans can change from year to year, including prescription drug coverage, monthly premiums, deductibles, and pharmacy networks. Taking a little time to review your options could help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you have the coverage you need in 2027.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate Medicare alone. Our pharmacy team is here to help connect you with someone who understands both Medicare insurance and your prescription needs.
When Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026.
During this time, eligible Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year.
Any changes made during this enrollment period generally take effect on January 1, 2027.
Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, it’s a good idea to review your plan each year to make sure it continues to meet your needs.
What Can You Do During Medicare Open Enrollment?
Depending on your current coverage, you may be able to:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to another.
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Return to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
You do not have to change your plan every year. However, reviewing your options can help you make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
Why Is It Important to Review Your Medicare Plan Every Year?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicare is that once you choose a plan, you don’t need to think about it again.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Insurance companies may make changes to their plans each year, and those changes can affect how much you pay for healthcare services and prescriptions.
Here are a few important things to review:
1. Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare prescription drug plans have lists of covered medications, called formularies. These lists can change each year.
A medication covered by your current plan in 2026 may have different coverage requirements or costs in 2027.
2. Pharmacy Networks
Not every Medicare plan works with every pharmacy. Some plans also offer different prescription pricing depending on whether a pharmacy is preferred or standard in-network.
If you enjoy the personalized care you receive from your local pharmacy, make sure your plan allows you to continue filling your prescriptions there at a cost that works for you.
3. Monthly Premiums and Deductibles
A plan with a lower monthly premium isn’t always the least expensive option overall.
It’s important to consider your total estimated yearly costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and other prescription expenses.
4. Doctors and Healthcare Providers
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether your preferred doctors, specialists, and healthcare facilities will remain in your plan’s network.
5. Additional Benefits
Some Medicare Advantage plans may include benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, or wellness services. These benefits vary by plan and may change annually.
How Can Our Pharmacy Help?
We understand that Medicare can feel complicated, especially when you’re comparing multiple plans, coverage options, and prescription costs.
That’s why we’re proud to connect our patients with Cody Knight, a pharmacist and licensed insurance agent with Health & Wellness Insurance.
Cody brings a valuable perspective to Medicare planning. With his pharmacy background and insurance expertise, he understands how important prescription drug coverage is when selecting a Medicare plan.
Through Health & Wellness Insurance, Cody can help you:
- Understand your Medicare coverage options.
- Compare available Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans.
- Review how different plans may cover your current medications.
- Evaluate premiums, deductibles, and potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Check pharmacy network participation.
- Explore coverage options based on your individual healthcare needs.
Whether you’re considering changing plans or simply want to make sure your current coverage still works for you, Cody can help you better understand your options.
What Should You Have Ready Before Reviewing Your Medicare Plan?
Having a few items available can make comparing plans easier.
Before speaking with an insurance agent, consider gathering:
- Your Medicare card and current insurance plan information.
- An updated list of your prescription medications, including dosages and how often you take them.
- The names and location of your preferred doctors and healthcare providers.
- Your preferred pharmacy.
- Any notices you’ve received about changes to your current Medicare plan.
- Questions or concerns about your healthcare coverage and prescription costs.
Having this information ready can help make your plan review more productive and personalized.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2026.
Waiting until the final days can make the process feel rushed, especially if you have questions about medication coverage, provider networks, or plan benefits.
Reviewing your options early gives you more time to understand potential changes and make a confident decision about your healthcare coverage for 2027.
Let Us Help You Navigate Medicare Open Enrollment
At our pharmacy, we believe healthcare should be personal. That includes helping our patients understand the insurance coverage that affects their medications and overall well-being.
We’ve partnered with Cody Knight, a pharmacist and licensed insurance agent with Health & Wellness Insurance, to help our patients explore their Medicare coverage options.
Whether you’re looking to compare plans, review prescription drug coverage, or simply make sure your current plan still meets your needs, Cody can help guide you through the process.
Ready to review your Medicare options?
Fill out a quick and easy questionnaire and schedule an appointment with our partner agent at Health & Wellness Insurance.
Click Here to Get Started & Schedule Your Appointment
Remember: Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, 2026. Make sure your coverage is ready for 2027!
Disclaimer: Health & Wellness Insurance Agency, LLC is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. The agency does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, it represents 5 organizations offering 33 products in its area, as stated on its website. For information about all available Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Plan availability varies by location. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) enrollment has separate eligibility and enrollment rules.
