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Medicare Open Enrollment is Coming Soon

Jessica Lippert

It’s almost time for Medicare Open Enrollment! From October 15 through December 7, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries can review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for 2027. Any changes you make during Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2027.

Watch Your Mailbox for Important Medicare Info

Several important Medicare notices will arrive in the mail this fall. Be sure to open and review them.

  • Medicare & You 2027 Handbook: Starting in late September, Medicare beneficiaries will receive the Medicare & You 2027 Handbook. This annual handbook includes information about Medicare benefits, coverage, and costs.
  • Annual Notice of Change: If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, look for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). You should receive it by September 30. Your  ANOC explains changes to your plan’s costs, coverage and benefits. Review your ANOC carefully to see how your plan will change in 2027.
  • Plan Non-Renewal Notices: If your current Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan will not be offered in 2027, the plan must send you a notice by October 2. This notice will explain that your current coverage will end on December 31, 2026, and provide information about your options for 2027.


Medicare Plan Marketing Begins October 1

Starting October 1, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans can begin marketing their 2027 plans and benefits.

You may receive advertisements by mail, email, phone, television, and text message. Remember that you do not have to make a decision based on an advertisement. Take time to review your options and choose the coverage that best meets your needs.

Watch Out for Medicare Marketing Violations

During Open Enrollment, you will see a lot of advertising for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. While marketing is allowed, Medicare has rules to protect beneficiaries from misleading or high-pressure sales tactics.

Plans, Agents, and Brokers Cannot:

  • Claim they represent Medicare
  • Pressure you to join a specific plan
  • Offer money or gifts as an incentive to enroll
  • Ask for your Medicare or Social Security number before you decide to enroll
  • Make unsolicited calls or send unsolicited text messages
  • Visit your home without an invitation

If you experience a Medicare marketing violation, report it.

In Pennsylvania, you can report Medicare marketing violations by calling:

  • Senior Medicare Patrol: 1-877-808-2468
  • Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)


Make the Most of Your Medicare Account

Creating a free account at Medicare.gov can make it easier to review and compare your Medicare options during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

With a Medicare account, you can:

  • See personalized information about your Medicare coverage
  • Save your prescription drug list and preferred pharmacies
  • Shop and compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans
  • Enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan
  • Print a copy of your Medicare card

 

Need Help Comparing Your Options?

You don’t have to navigate Medicare Open Enrollment alone! Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) provides free, confidential, and unbiased counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options and choose a plan that meets their needs.


Want to Learn More About Medicare in 2027?

Join PHLP’s annual Medicare webinar on November 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon to learn more about Medicare updates and changes for 2027. Click here to register.

Can’t attend? A recording of the webinar will be posted in our Resource Library and on our YouTube channel.