Medicare open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. It’s the one time each year when most people can switch plans freely, and for 2027 there are bigger changes than usual: higher drug-cost limits, plans leaving some areas, and new drug prices. Here’s what’s changing and what to check before the deadline.
Quick answer: Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7, 2026, and changes take effect on January 1, 2027. The Part D out-of-pocket cap rises from $2,100 to $2,400, and the maximum Part D deductible rises to $700. More than 3 million Medicare Advantage members must choose a new plan because theirs is leaving their area. If you do nothing, your current plan usually renews with its 2027 changes.
What you can do during Medicare open enrollment
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or the other way round.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, switch or drop a Part D prescription drug plan.
If you’re in Medicare Advantage and miss the deadline, there’s a second chance: between January 1 and March 31, 2027, you can make one switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare.
Key Medicare numbers for 2027
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Part B premium | $202.90/month | Projected $209.50/month (official figure due from CMS) |
| Part B deductible | $283 | Projected about $292 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Highest Part D deductible | $615 | $700 |
| Open enrollment | October 15 – December 7, 2026 | |
The biggest changes for 2027
1. Medicare Advantage plans leaving areas
More than 3 million Medicare Advantage members need to pick a new plan because their current one is leaving their area. If you received a non-renewal letter, don’t ignore it. You’ll need to choose another plan or return to Original Medicare.
2. Higher drug-cost limits
The cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered Part D drugs rises to $2,400, and the highest deductible a plan can charge rises to $700. The cap still protects people with expensive medicines, but your costs may rise.
3. Some Part D premiums may rise
A federal premium stabilization program for stand-alone Part D plans ends after 2026, so some premiums could go up. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.
4. Lower prices for 15 more drugs
Medicare-negotiated prices for 15 more brand-name drugs take effect on January 1, 2027. If you take one of them, your costs could fall.
5. Plan ratings dipped slightly
Medicare Advantage plans average 3.99 stars for 2027, down from 4.01. Star ratings are worth checking when comparing plans.
Your Medicare open enrollment checklist
- Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, which shows what’s different next year.
- List every medicine you take, with doses.
- Check that your doctors and pharmacy are still in network.
- Use the official Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare total yearly costs.
- Check extras that matter to you, such as dental, vision or hearing.
- Make your choice before December 7.
Watch out for Medicare scams
Open enrollment is peak season for scam calls. Medicare and Social Security will never call asking for your Medicare number or bank details. Some people with Original Medicare received a one-time $90 Part B payment in October. It was sent automatically, so anyone asking for details “to release it” is a scammer. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE if you’re unsure.
If you get Social Security, your 2027 raise will also be affected by the Part B premium. See our post on the Social Security COLA 2027.
This article is for general information and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Check plan details at Medicare.gov or with a licensed counselor through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Frequently asked questions
When does Medicare open enrollment end?
December 7, 2026. Changes start on January 1, 2027.
What happens if I miss the December 7 deadline?
Your current plan usually renews. Medicare Advantage members get one more chance to switch from January 1 to March 31, 2027.
What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?
$2,400, up from $2,100 in 2026.
Has the 2027 Part B premium been announced?
The Medicare Trustees projected $209.50 a month. CMS usually confirms the official figure in November.
Sources: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare.gov, Medicare Trustees Report, KFF, Doctronic medical review, iHeart.
