Does Medicare Open Enrollment leave you wondering, “Should I keep what I have or make a change?” You’re not alone. Comparing coverage can feel overwhelming when every advertisement seems to promise something different.

A licensed Medicare insurance agent can help you understand your choices. The goal isn’t necessarily to change plans, it’s to understand how your coverage fits your needs.

Why Starting Early Matters This Year

Plan changes are affecting millions of people. A study published in JAMA estimated that approximately 2.9 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries faced losing their existing plans heading into 2026 because of plan exits. An early Deft Research analysis identified at least 1 million beneficiaries affected by exits for 2027. “Displaced” means losing access to a current plan, not losing Medicare eligibility. (JAMA Network)

With more people potentially needing help finding replacement coverage, we expect greater demands on agents’ time. That could mean busier schedules and fewer last-minute appointments.

Schedule your review early rather than waiting until December. Starting early gives you and your agent time to check providers, compare prescriptions, and resolve questions without rushing your decision. Even when your plan is continuing, don’t assume your review can wait until the final days.

Start With What’s Changing

Your Annual Notice of Change, which would usually arrive in September, explains changes to your plan’s coverage and costs taking effect in January. Don’t assume everything stays the same because the plan’s name hasn’t changed.

For 2027, Medicare’s standard Part D deductible increases from $615 to $700, and the annual out-of-pocket limit for covered Part D drugs increases from $2,100 to $2,400. Premiums are separate from your covered drug expenses.

Not every plan charges the full deductible. Ask which medications are subject to it and whether that is changing for next year. A deductible that now applies to more of your prescriptions could mean higher upfront costs.

Check Your Doctors and not Just the Insurance Company

Keeping your doctors often matters more than an advertised extra benefit.

For Medicare Advantage, confirm that your doctors, specialists, and hospitals participate in the exact plan you’re considering. Accepting Medicare or another plan from the same insurer doesn’t automatically mean accepting your specific plan.

Your agent can help review directories but verify participation with both the plan and your providers. Also ask about specialist referrals and coverage when you travel.

Give Your Prescriptions a Closer Look

Bring a current medication list with dosages, frequency, and your preferred pharmacy.

Ask your agent to compare covered medications, estimated annual costs, and pharmacy options, not just what you might pay for one prescription in January. Check for prior authorization or step therapy, which may require trying another medication first.

Mention new prescriptions and anticipated treatment changes so your review reflects your current needs.

Compare the Full Cost, not Just the Premium

A $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan does not mean free healthcare. You generally must continue paying your Part B premium and may owe deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.

Compare routine visit costs, specialist care, hospital expenses, prescriptions, and the plan’s annual limit for covered medical costs. That medical limit is separate from the Part D drug limit.

Ask how a plan could work during both an ordinary year and one involving unexpected care. Consider extra benefits, but don’t let them outweigh essential coverage.

Know Your Enrollment Opportunities

You can begin comparing 2027 plans October 1. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with changes generally effective January 1, 2027.

However, fall enrollment does not automatically guarantee acceptance into a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policy. Health questions and underwriting may apply unless you qualify for protections.

If your Medicare Advantage plan is ending, ask about additional enrollment opportunities and rights to buy certain Medigap policies without medical underwriting. Be sure to retain the notice from the carrier showing your plan is being discontinued as that will be needed if you elect a Medigap without underwriting. Have your agent review your notice and applicable deadlines before changing coverage.

Look for Guidance, Not Pressure

A helpful agent should explain trade-offs, answer questions, and give you room to decide, not pressure you into enrolling.

Ask which insurers and plans the agent represents and what support is available after enrollment. You can also compare options through Medicare’s Plan Finder.

Make Your Review Count

Gather your coverage information, plan notices, medication list, provider names, and questions. Complete requested appointment paperwork beforehand so your meeting can focus on your options. Share any concerns about costs, access to care, or changes in your health.

Reviewing doesn’t automatically mean switching. Staying with your current plan may make sense after checking next year’s details.



Contact Crawford Benefits to schedule your Medicare coverage review early. Give yourself time to understand your options, not just meet a deadline.