Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: What's Changing for Florida Seniors

The short answer: Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. It is your once-a-year chance to change your Medicare health or drug plan for 2027. Next year, the most you will pay out of pocket for covered drugs goes up to $2,400. Some plans are also changing or ending. Take 30 minutes this fall to check your plan, even if you are happy with it.

Key Dates to Put on Your Calendar

• By September 30, 2026: Your plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This letter lists what is changing in your plan for 2027.
• October 15 to December 7, 2026: Open Enrollment. You can switch plans, join a drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
• January 1, 2027: Your new coverage starts.
• January 1 to March 31, 2027: If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get one more chance to switch plans or go back to Original Medicare.

(Source: Medicare & You 2027 handbook.)

A Quick Refresher on the Words You Will See

• Original Medicare is the government plan. Part A covers hospital stays. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care.
• Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is a plan from a private insurance company that replaces Original Medicare. Most include drug coverage and use a network of doctors.
• Part D is prescription drug coverage.
• Medigap is extra insurance that helps pay costs Original Medicare does not cover.

For a longer explanation, see our guide to Medicare options in Florida.

What Is Changing for 2027

1. The yearly cap on drug costs goes up to $2,400

Medicare drug plans have a limit on how much you pay each year for covered drugs. In 2026 that limit is $2,100. In 2027 it rises to $2,400. Once you reach it, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the year.

2. The drug deductible can be as high as $700

The deductible is what you pay before your plan starts to help. In 2027, drug plans can charge a deductible of up to $700, up from $615 in 2026. Many plans charge less, so compare.

(Source for both: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2027 Rate Announcement.)

3. A temporary program that held down drug plan premiums is ending

For the past two years, Medicare ran a test program that helped keep monthly premiums down for stand-alone drug plans. It ends after 2026. (Source: CMS.)

CMS expects the average stand-alone drug plan premium to be about $36 a month in 2027. That is less than $1 more than in 2026. It expects the average Medicare Advantage premium to drop to about $12 a month. (Source: CMS, September 28, 2026.) Averages can hide big changes, though. Your own plan's premium could go up or down a lot. Check your ANOC letter.

4. Lower prices on 15 more drugs

Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare's negotiated prices kick in for 15 more high-cost drugs. They include Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy (counted as one drug), Trelegy Ellipta, Breo Ellipta, Janumet, Tradjenta, Xtandi, Ibrance, Linzess and others. (Source: CMS drug price list.) What you pay still depends on your plan, so check each plan's price for your drugs.

5. Some Medicare Advantage plans are ending

Some insurance companies are dropping plans for 2027. Humana told investors in July that about 600,000 of its Medicare Advantage members nationwide are in plans that are ending. If your plan is ending, your letter will say so. Read our step-by-step guide: What to do if your Medicare Advantage plan is ending.

6. Part B premium for 2027 is not out yet

In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month and the Part B deductible is $283. (Source: CMS.) Medicare usually announces the new amounts in the fall. We will update this page when the 2027 numbers are official.

How to Check Your Plan in 6 Steps

1. Find your Annual Notice of Change letter. Look for changes to your premium, deductible, drug list and doctors.
2. Write down every medicine you take, with the dose and how often you take it.
3. Write down your doctors, hospitals and pharmacy. Make sure they are still in your plan's network for 2027.
4. Compare plans on Medicare's Plan Finder at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. Enter your drugs to see your true yearly cost, not just the premium.
5. Get free, unbiased help from Florida SHINE if the choices feel confusing. See how to get free Medicare help near you.
6. Make any change by December 7. You can join a new plan on Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by calling the plan. Joining a new plan usually ends your old one automatically.

Can I Get Help Paying for Medicare?

Yes, if your income is limited.

• Extra Help lowers drug plan costs. For 2026, you may qualify if your yearly income is under $23,940 (single) or $32,460 (married and living together), with savings and other resources under $18,090 (single) or $36,100 (married). (Source: Medicare & You 2027.) Apply any time at SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
• Medicare Savings Programs can help pay your Part B premium. In Florida, they are run by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through ACCESS Florida. If you qualify, you also get Extra Help automatically. (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.)

Tight budget? Our guide to financial planning for Florida seniors has more ideas.

Watch Out for Medicare Scams This Season

Medicare will never call you out of the blue to sell you a plan. Do not give your Medicare number to anyone who calls you first. Learn the warning signs in our scam alert for Florida seniors.

Where to Get Free Help

• Florida SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders): 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. They do not sell plans. FloridaSHINE.org
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day
• Social Security (for Extra Help): 1-800-772-1213
• Florida Senior Legal Helpline: 1-888-895-7873
• Free local Medicare workshops: check our Florida senior events calendar

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, a financial advisor for financial planning, and an attorney for legal matters. The resources and programs mentioned are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, which may vary. While we strive for accuracy, the information provided may not reflect the most recent updates. Always verify details with official sources or professionals before making decisions based on this content.