Posted October 19, 2026

Your healthcare needs can change—and so can your Medicare plan. As we prepare for 2027, Senior Benefits Advisors (SBA) encourages you to take time to understand your coverage, ask questions, and make sure your plan continues to meet your needs.

Whether you’re reviewing coverage for yourself or helping a parent or loved one, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Know the Dates

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, often called AEP or Medicare Open Enrollment, runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

You can begin preparing now by gathering your plan documents, reviewing your healthcare needs, and writing down questions for a licensed insurance agent.

What Can You Do During AEP?

Depending on your eligibility and current coverage, AEP gives you the opportunity to:

- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Before making a change, understand how it may affect your existing coverage.

Why Review Your Plan Every Year?

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, an annual review is a valuable step. Your plan’s costs, benefits, and coverage may change for the coming year.

Start with your Annual Notice of Change, which explains changes to your current plan. Medicare encourages beneficiaries to review this notice along with their Evidence of Coverage.

When comparing options, ask:

- Doctors and hospitals: Are my preferred providers in the plan’s network?
- Prescriptions: Are my medications covered, and what will they cost at my preferred pharmacy?
- Overall costs: What are the premiums, deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses?
- Access to care: Are referrals or prior authorizations required for services I use?
- Additional benefits: If offered, what limits apply to dental, vision, hearing, or other benefits?

A plan that works well for a friend or neighbor may offer a different fit for your health needs and budget.

Prepare for Your Medicare Review

To help make your appointment productive, bring:

- Your Medicare card and current insurance plan card.
- A list of medications, including dosages.
- The names of your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals.
- Your preferred pharmacy.
- Your Annual Notice of Change.
- Questions about costs, coverage, or care you expect to need in 2027.

Let your advisor know if you also have employer, retiree, VA, or other insurance coverage so you can discuss how a proposed change could affect it.

Let SBA Help You Take the Next Step

At Senior Benefits Advisors, we believe our seniors deserve clear explanations, personal attention, and the opportunity to make informed decisions.

Our licensed insurance agents can help you review your current coverage and compare available options based on your location, healthcare needs, and budget. A review is an opportunity to ask questions—you are under no obligation to enroll.

Call (470) 359-2970 to schedule your Medicare coverage review.

Visit our storefront:
Senior Benefits Advisors
Sugarloaf Mills
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 126
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Across from Bass Pro Shops

Have a parent, grandparent, or loved one who could use assistance? Help them schedule a review before the December 7 deadline.

Senior Benefits Advisors is an insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by location and plan.