Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Coverage selections take effect January 1, 2027.

October 18, 2026 - WASHINGTON – On the first day of Medicare open enrollment, AARP urged older Americans to carefully review their Medicare coverage during this year’s Open Enrollment period, as Medicare health and drug plan costs and covered services can change from year to year. 

“Higher health care costs are making it harder for older Americans to afford the care they need,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP's Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. “Medicare open enrollment is the opportunity each year to review your coverage and make sure it still meets your health and financial needs. With costs and coverage changing every year, it’s more important than ever to shop around, compare your options, and choose the coverage that’s best for you. AARP will continue fighting to bring health care and prescription drug costs down.” 
 
Changes You Can Make During Open Enrollment

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another.
• Join, drop, or switch to a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

What’s New for 2027

• The cap on annual out-of-pocket expenses for Part D drugs will increase to $2,400, up from $2,100 in 2026, and the standard deductible will increase from $615 to $700.

New Medicare-negotiated prices will take effect for 15 additional drugs:

• Ozempic/Rybelsus/Wegovy, Trelegy Ellipta, Xtandi, Pomalyst, Ibrance, Ofev, Linzess, Calquence, Austedo/Austedo XR, Breo Ellipta, Tradjenta, Xifaxan, Vraylar, Janumet/Janumet XR, and Otezla.
• The savings are expected to lower enrollees’ out-of-pocket spending by an estimated $685 million in 2027, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Beware of Scams and Fraud 
 
Open Enrollment is also prime time for fraud. Scammers may pose as Medicare representatives or offer “free” medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number. Remember: Medicare will never call, email, or text out of the blue to ask for personal information or payment. If you’re unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify.

Free Help Is Available

• Medicare Help Line: 1-800-633-4227
• Medicare Plan Finder: Medicare.gov
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): shiphelp.org
• AARP Medicare Resource Center: AARP.org/Medicare
• AARP Medicare Open Enrollment article series
• AARP video, “Why Should You Check Your Medicare Plan Every Year?”

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Source: AARP