Medicare open enrollment—officially called the Annual Enrollment Period—runs from today, October 15, through December 7. Any changes you make during this window take effect January 1, 2027.
If you're enrolled in Medicare and haven't touched your plan in a few years, this is the prompt to actually look at it. Plans change. Your situation changes. Coverage that was the right fit three years ago may not be now.
Here's what to review, what's changed for 2027, and—because we're The Nokbox—how this connects to having your insurance information actually organized.
What you can change during open enrollment
During the Annual Enrollment Period, anyone enrolled in Medicare can switch between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, and add, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
If you don't make changes, your current plan typically continues, but that's only a good outcome if you've verified it still meets your needs.
What's different for 2027 coverage
A few things worth knowing as you compare options this fall:
The Part D out-of-pocket cap increases to $2,400 in 2027, up from $2,100 in 2026. Once you hit that cap, covered Part D drugs cost you nothing for the rest of the year. If you have significant prescription costs, this matters.
The standard maximum Part D deductible rises to $700. Individual plans may charge less. Compare before assuming.
There are slightly fewer Medicare Advantage plans available nationally in 2027, though average premiums are expected to decrease. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, your Annual Notice of Change letter should have arrived in September. That letter tells you exactly what's changing for next year. Read it before you do anything else.
Provider networks change year to year. Before staying in your current plan, confirm your doctors are still in-network for 2027.
Your open enrollment checklist
Pull out your Annual Notice of Change letter. It arrived in September and covers your current plan's 2027 costs and coverage.
Check whether your prescriptions are still on formulary and at what cost tier for next year.
Verify your doctors are still in-network if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Compare available plans at medicare.gov using the plan finder, filtered by your prescriptions and preferred providers.
If you need help, every state has a free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local counselors who can help you compare plans without trying to sell you anything.
Enroll or make your change by December 7. Your new plan must receive the enrollment by that date for coverage to start January 1.
While you're at it: get your insurance information organized
Open enrollment is a good annual prompt to do a second thing: make sure your insurance information is actually organized somewhere your family can find it.
Not just your Medicare card. The full picture: your Medicare plan name and ID number, your Part D plan if you have one, any supplemental coverage, your auto, home, and life insurance policies: the carrier names, the policy numbers, how to file a claim for each.
This is one of the most commonly missing pieces when a family has to step in. 7 Things Your Family Will Need That Aren't in Your Will covers insurance specifically. A shorter read, worth five minutes.
The Nokbox Base Kit includes a dedicated insurance section—a place to document every policy you hold, the carrier, the policy number, and how to reach them. Takes about an hour to fill in. Saves your family weeks of searching.
Open enrollment is here. Review your plan and get your insurance organized.
Shop The Nokbox → thenokbox.com/collections/nokbox-kits
Note: The Nokbox is not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, or any insurance provider. This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute insurance or financial advice. Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit medicare.gov for personalized guidance.
Quick answers
When is Medicare open enrollment in 2026?
October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?
The cap rises to $2,400 in 2027, up from $2,100 in 2026. Once you reach that cap, covered Part D drugs cost you nothing for the rest of the year.
Do I have to do anything during open enrollment?
No. If you make no changes, your current plan typically continues. But it's worth reviewing your Annual Notice of Change letter and checking whether your doctors are still in-network and your prescriptions are still covered before staying put.
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