Medicare Open Enrollment in Philadelphia: What to Know for 2027 Coverage

If you have Medicare and live in Philadelphia, fall is an important time to review your health and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, giving Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year.

Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare plan, reviewing your options can be worthwhile. Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can change their costs, benefits, provider networks, pharmacy networks, and drug coverage from one year to the next.

Here’s what Philadelphia Medicare beneficiaries should know as the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment period approaches.

When Is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15, 2026, and ends December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

During Medicare Open Enrollment, eligible beneficiaries can make changes such as:

• Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Leaving Medicare Advantage and returning to Original Medicare
• Joining, changing, or dropping Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage

You don’t necessarily need to change your coverage every year. However, reviewing your current plan can help you identify changes that may affect your healthcare and costs in 2027.

Why Philadelphia Medicare Beneficiaries Should Review Their Coverage

One of the most important reasons to review your Medicare coverage each year is that plans can change. Your own healthcare needs may change as well.

Before deciding to keep your current coverage, consider a few important questions.

Are Your Doctors Still in the Plan’s Network?

If keeping a particular primary care doctor, specialist, or healthcare facility is important to you, verify that the provider will continue participating in your plan’s network for the upcoming year.

Are Your Prescriptions Still Covered?

Prescription drug formularies can change from year to year. Review your medications and their coverage rather than assuming your prescriptions and costs will remain the same. Philadelphia Medicare beneficiaries who need standalone prescription coverage can learn more about Medicare Part D plans available through BroadZero.

Have Your Healthcare Costs Changed?

Look beyond the monthly premium when reviewing coverage. Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses can all affect what you ultimately spend on healthcare.

Are You Using Your Additional Benefits?

Some Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits that aren’t provided by Original Medicare. Consider whether the benefits included with your current plan match the healthcare services you actually use.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

Open Enrollment is also an opportunity to reconsider which type of Medicare coverage works for your individual situation.

Original Medicare consists of Medicare Part A and Part B. Beneficiaries may also purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan and, when eligible, consider Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, to help with certain out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide Part A and Part B benefits and often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.

There isn’t one Medicare option that’s right for everyone. Your doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs, budget, and preferences should all be considered when comparing your choices.

Don’t Wait Until December to Review Your Medicare Plan

Although Medicare Open Enrollment lasts until December 7, waiting until the final days can make comparing your options more stressful.

Start preparing before enrollment begins. Gather your current plan information, make a list of your prescriptions and healthcare providers, and consider whether your healthcare needs have changed during the past year.

Your plan should also provide an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) explaining important changes to your coverage for the upcoming year. Reviewing this document can help you identify changes that deserve a closer look.

Get Medicare Help in Philadelphia

Medicare can become complicated quickly. Between Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, prescription drug coverage, and additional benefits, understanding your options isn’t always easy.

Working with a local Medicare professional gives you an opportunity to ask questions and compare available coverage based on your individual healthcare needs and budget.

BroadZero is a licensed independent health insurance agency helping Medicare beneficiaries in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. Our licensed agents can help you understand the Medicare plans we offer and review available options based on your individual situation.

BroadZero’s Pennsylvania office is located at 33 Chester Pike, Collingdale, PA 19023.

If you’re preparing for the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment period, now is a good time to start reviewing your coverage.

Request a complimentary Medicare benefits review from BroadZero and get help understanding the Medicare options available to you.

BroadZero does not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.