Medicare Annual Notice of Change: what to check before Oct. 15

Today is the deadline for Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans to mail their Annual Notice of Change for 2027. If you or a parent has one of these plans, that letter or email should be in hand now, and it is worth reading before open enrollment begins on October 15.

The notice lists what changes next year. Medical Daily suggests focusing on four items: the monthly premium, the deductible, the drug list (called the formulary), and the network of doctors and pharmacies. A medication can move to a higher cost tier or need prior authorization, and a doctor can leave a network, so check your own prescriptions and providers by name.

Some 2027 figures are already set. The Part D out-of-pocket maximum rises to $2,400 from $2,100, and insulin cost-sharing stays capped at $35 a month. Medical Daily also reports that a temporary program that held down stand-alone Part D premiums in 2025 and 2026 is ending, which could push some premiums up.

Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, and any changes take effect January 1. If you do nothing, your current plan usually renews automatically, even if its costs rise. For free, unbiased help, you can use the plan comparison tool at Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. This is general information, and a counselor can help with your specific situation.

Before bed or tomorrow morning, set the notice next to a list of your current medications and doctors. That list will make the October comparison much faster. If the notice never arrived, call the plan and ask for it.