Medicare beneficiaries have until Dec. 7 to review their health and prescription drug coverage for 2027, Rep. Claudia Tenney reminded residents of New York’s 24th Congressional District on Wednesday.
The annual open enrollment period began Oct. 15. Changes made during that period take effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to Medicare.
Beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch or drop Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, depending on their current coverage.
Tenney said Medicare covers more than 270,000 seniors in her district.
Review costs, benefits and providers
People who are satisfied with their current coverage generally do not need to make changes, Tenney’s office said. They should still review changes to their plan’s premiums, benefits, prescription drug coverage and provider networks for the coming year.
“Changes to premiums, prescription drug costs, and provider networks can have a significant impact on seniors living on fixed incomes,” Tenney said.
Her office encouraged beneficiaries to read their Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage documents, confirm that their preferred doctors and hospitals remain in-network when applicable, and check whether their prescriptions are covered before selecting a plan.
Where to get help
The Medicare Plan Finder lets beneficiaries compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans available in their area. Medicare’s website also has the Medicare & You handbook, with information about coverage and enrollment.
Beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227, for help with coverage options. The TTY number is 1-877-486-2048.
New York’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-800-701-0501. The state program routes callers to a trained counselor serving their county.
Constituents who need help with Medicare or another federal agency can also contact Tenney’s office through tenney.house.gov.
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