Medicare Annual Enrollment is Almost Here: Are You Ready for 2027?

Before we dive in, let me take a moment to introduce myself! I’m Erin Svoboda, a licensed insurance agent and practicing pharmacist with over 15 years of experience in pharmacy. I’m excited to now be offering Medicare services through Rock Island Insurance!

Throughout my years as a pharmacist, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to understand your healthcare coverage, especially when it comes to prescription medications. My goal with this blog is to help make Medicare a little less confusing by sharing practical information and helpful tips so you can feel more confident making decisions about your coverage.

Medicare Annual Enrollment begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. A little preparation now can make reviewing your Medicare options much easier!

Whether you’re happy with your current coverage or considering a change for 2027, taking a few simple steps before enrollment begins can help you feel more informed and confident about your decisions.

Today, I want to share a simple checklist of things to gather before Annual Enrollment, along with a few tips to help you compare your options without feeling overwhelmed.

5 Things to Gather Before Medicare Annual Enrollment

1. Your Current Medicare Coverage

Start by gathering your current Medicare cards and plan information.

And I mean actually get them out! Don’t assume you’ll remember the name of your plan or exactly what coverage you have.

Having your cards and paperwork in front of you makes it much easier to understand where you’re starting and what, if anything, you might want to change.

2. Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, you should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your plan.

This document explains important changes to your plan’s coverage, benefits, and costs for the upcoming year.

Don’t overlook this document! Just because your plan worked well for you in 2026 doesn’t necessarily mean everything will stay the same in 2027.

Take a few minutes to review it and make note of anything that might affect you.

3. A Complete List of Your Medications and Healthcare Providers

This is a big one!

Make a complete and accurate list of all your medications, including prescriptions you take regularly and those you only use occasionally.

Be sure to include the exact medication name, strength, dosage, and how often you take it.

You’ll also want a list of your healthcare providers, including your primary care physician and any specialists you see.

As a practicing pharmacist, this is one area I really want people to pay attention to.

Two people can have very similar healthcare needs but take completely different medications. Those differences can have a significant impact on which prescription drug coverage makes the most sense for each person.

And remember, it’s not just about whether your medications are covered. It’s also important to understand what they’ll cost and whether there are any restrictions on getting them.

4. Your Preferred Pharmacy

This is something that can easily get overlooked!

If you love your current pharmacy and want to continue using it, make sure that’s part of your plan comparison.

Pharmacy networks and prescription costs can vary between plans. A pharmacy that works well with one plan may not offer the same pricing with another.

Your preferred pharmacy matters, so don’t forget to include it in your review.

5. Your Healthcare Budget

Finally, take a few minutes to think about your healthcare budget.

It’s easy to focus on a plan’s monthly premium, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle.

You’ll also want to consider deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Your 2027 Medicare Options Are Available — Now What?

Now that you’ve gathered your information, you might be wondering:

How do I compare all these Medicare options without getting overwhelmed?

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to understand every Medicare plan available.

You need to understand which options fit your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget, and your healthcare needs.

My biggest suggestion?

Start with YOU, not the plans.

Before you begin comparing benefits and premiums, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Are my doctors and specialists important to keep?
• Are my current prescriptions covered at a cost I can afford?
• Do I want to continue using my preferred pharmacy?
• What healthcare expenses am I comfortable paying?
• Are there specific healthcare needs I anticipate in the coming year?

Once you’ve answered those questions, you can start narrowing down your options to plans that meet your priorities.

Remember: Reviewing Your Coverage Doesn’t Mean You Have to Change It

This is something I really want to emphasize.

Just because you’re reviewing your Medicare coverage doesn’t mean you need to make a change.

If your current coverage continues to fit your healthcare needs and budget, your review may simply confirm that you’re in a good place.

However, on that same note, don’t assume that the plan that worked best for you this year will automatically be the best fit next year.

Plans can change. Your medications can change. Your healthcare needs can change.

That’s why taking a little time each year to review your options is so important.

Need Help Reviewing Your Medicare Options?

You don’t have to navigate Medicare Annual Enrollment alone.

If you’d like to sit down and review your current coverage, discuss your healthcare priorities, or explore other options for 2027, I’d love to help!

As both a licensed agent and a practicing pharmacist, I understand how important it is to consider your healthcare needs and prescription coverage when making Medicare decisions.

My goal is to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026.

Check out this weeks vlog by going to https://youtu.be/EE9Gz_2UAMM

You can also connect with me by visiting https://rii.agency/medicare or by calling 573-557-9888. If you’d like to schedule a Medicare Review Appointment, you can do so by clicking the following link https://calendly.com/erinsvoboda-rii/30min

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. For a full list of available plans, please contact Medicare at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.