Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. This is the time of year when everyone with Medicare can join or change their health and prescription drug plans for 2027.
This includes anyone using traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. Depending on your needs, you can switch coverage from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. You can also switch your Part D plan, which pays for medications. Any changes you make will take effect Jan. 1, as long as the plan gets your enrollment request by Dec. 7.
Medicare beneficiaries will receive their annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage from their existing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan providers. People should review plan changes as soon as they receive the information. Changes could include costs such as premiums, deductibles and co-pays, as well as changes to the procedures covered, tests and other provisions. Take time to review the information you received and look at all of your Medicare options.
Niagara County Office for the Aging and Michelle Farina Agency will present “Medicare Open Enrollment 2027” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St., Lockport. All are welcome —come learn about:
• Changes to Medicare
• Medicare Health Plans
• Medicare Part D
• Extra Help Low Income Subsidy Program
Representatives from various companies, including the VA and EPIC will be available.
Why should you attend? Your Medicare enrollment is an important decision. It is always important to make sure you are getting the most from your Medicare benefits. Every year, Medicare plans change and so do your needs. It’s worth the time to shop around to see if the coverage is still the best for your situation. I recommend you start early and do not wait until the deadline is looming, especially this year. This year it is especially important that you start early and explore the various plans to make sure the one you select for next year will still meet your needs. Some of the Medicare plans have made significant changes to provider contracts and may/ or may not cover one of your current healthcare partners in the new year. Some carriers have also reduced partnerships with affiliated brokers who have assisted with understanding the various plans and how they best meet your needs.
The Dale Association is a unique not-for-profit organization that has been responding to the needs of adults in our Niagara community for more than 75 years, and whose mission is to provide comprehensive services and coordinate connections for adults in Niagara and neighboring counties that enhance their health and wellness and empower them to build bridges into their communities.
This important mission is the focal point of each program – including our Senior Services, Mental Health Services, and Caregiver Support Services. For more information about The Dale Association, please visit www.daleassociation.com, call 716-433-1886 for more information, or stop in at 33 Ontario St., Lockport for a tour.