How to Compare Medicare Drug Plans During Open Enrollment in Philadelphia

Comparing Medicare drug coverage starts with the prescriptions you take. For Philadelphia seniors getting ready for 2027, Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Before it begins, gather your medication list and set aside time to compare your options.

Whether you’re reviewing a standalone Part D prescription drug plan or drug coverage in a Medicare Advantage plan, work through the same questions about your medicines, pharmacies, coverage rules, and costs. Here’s a step-by-step way to begin.

Start With a Complete Medication List

Write down every prescription you currently take. Use the labels to record the exact drug name, strength, and dose, along with how much you refill and how often. Include medicines you take regularly even if you don’t refill them every month.

Keep the list beside you while you compare plans. If a name or dose is unclear, ask your doctor to confirm it before entering the information. Also write down the pharmacies you use and any others you would be comfortable using.

Enter Your Information in Medicare Plan Finder

Go to Medicare Plan Finder, choose 2027 coverage, and enter your ZIP code. Add your prescriptions and pharmacies so the comparisons reflect your own needs.

If you have a Medicare account with a drug list saved from an earlier year, review it carefully. Update changed doses, add new prescriptions, and remove medicines you no longer take.

Work through one entry at a time. Before moving on, compare the information on the screen with your written list.

Check Each Drug’s Coverage and Tier

A plan’s list of covered drugs is called its formulary. Check every medicine on your list against the plan’s coverage for the coming year. Don’t stop after finding just your most frequently used prescription.

Many plans group medicines into cost levels called tiers. A lower tier generally means a lower cost than a higher tier, but plans can arrange their tiers differently.

For each option, note whether each drug is covered and which tier it uses. Mark anything you need the plan to explain before making a decision.

Compare Pharmacy Options

Check whether your pharmacy is in the plan’s network and whether it has preferred or standard cost sharing. Preferred in-network pharmacies may have lower out-of-pocket costs than other pharmacies in the same network.

Some plans also offer mail-order service. Compare that option if home delivery would suit you, and ask the plan how it works for your prescriptions.

Consider convenience alongside cost. Write down which pharmacy you used for each comparison, so you can match the estimate to the place where you would actually fill your prescriptions.

Look for Prior Authorization and Step Therapy

A covered drug may still have rules you need to understand. Prior authorization means getting the plan’s approval before it will cover certain medicines. Step therapy generally requires trying a specified, less expensive drug before the plan covers a more expensive one.

Check for both requirements on each prescription. If either applies, ask the plan what is required and talk to your doctor about your situation.

Compare the Full Year’s Estimated Costs

Look beyond the monthly premium. Medicare drug coverage costs can also include a deductible, copayments, or coinsurance. Use the estimated yearly costs in Plan Finder to compare the whole year, including premiums and what you would pay for your prescriptions.

Use the same medication list when comparing options. Keep your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change nearby, too. It identifies coverage and cost changes taking effect in January, giving you a starting point for reviewing your current coverage alongside other choices.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, keep questions about your doctors and medical coverage alongside the drug comparison. Give those questions attention before choosing a plan.

Ask About Extra Help and Confirm the Timing

If your income and resources are limited, review Medicare’s Extra Help program. It helps eligible people pay Part D costs. Some people qualify automatically; others need to apply. Medicare.gov explains the requirements and how to apply.

Changes made during Open Enrollment take effect January 1, 2027, as long as the plan receives your enrollment request by December 7, 2026.

Get Help Comparing Medicare Drug Plans in Philadelphia

BroadZero’s licensed agents can help you review drug coverage questions. Bring your medication list, pharmacy preferences, and Annual Notice of Change.

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

Request a complimentary Medicare benefits review from BroadZero for 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.