Medicare Plans

The 2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15, 2026 and concludes December 7, 2026. During this time you may enroll in or change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Part C plan; to take effect January 1, 2027

DECISION # 1: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
> With Original Medicare Parts A and B you can visit any provider or facility, nationwide, that participates with the federal program. You are responsible for the Parts A and B deductible and cost sharing amounts which can be partially covered through a separate Medicare Supplement plan. Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage – that could be covered through a separate Part D drug plan or other creditable coverage like VA or TriCare.
or
> With Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, a private company, instead of the federal government, manages your Parts A and B benefits. Many plans include Part D drug coverage, too, known as MAPD. Some MAPD plans may also include additional benefits such as dental allowance, eyewear and fitness club membership. These plans are federally funded however some may assess an additional premium which is collected separately from that Part B premium you pay through Social Security.

DECISION # 2: HMO or PPO?
These private Medicare Advantage companies managing your Parts A and B benefits create their own network of “participating” providers and facilities. Enrolling in their HMO plan means you must obtain your non-emergency medical care from the plan’s in-network provider to receive plan benefits. With their Preferred Provider, or PPO, plan you can seek medical care from outside of the network so long as the provider accepts Original Medicare payment. Your out of pocket costs are usually lower when using in-network providers.

Here are some suggested steps to get started while also reviewing a plan’s summary and drug formulary documents: