This year’s Medicare Open Enrollment period is just around the corner.

From October 15 – December 7, people already enrolled in Medicare can review their health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for 2027. Any changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2027. 

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s important to review your options each year. Plans can change their premiums, provider networks, covered medications, and other benefits from year to year. 

Four ways to prepare for Open Enrollment

• Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). You should have already received an ANOC outlining any changes for 2027, including premium, formulary, and coverage changes. Review carefully to see whether your plan will continue to meet your needs. 

• Compare plans. Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, it’s worth comparing your options. You may find lower costs, better coverage, or both. 

• Review the Medicare & You 2027 handbook. The updated handbook is available online and will arrive in mailboxes this fall. It includes Medicare basics, plan information, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can view it at medicare.gov/medicare-and-you. 

• Pick up a copy of the Medicare Open Enrollment Jumpstart Toolkit at your local library to help guide you through changing Medicare plans, or visit insurance.wa.gov/MedicareOEP to order a copy or access online resources. 

• Get free, unbiased help from SHIBA. Beginning October 15, SHIBA volunteers can help you compare plans and understand your Medicare options. 

SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is a free, unbiased, and confidential service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner that helps people navigate Medicare. In King County, SHIBA services are provided by Solid Ground and the Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC). Our trained volunteer SHIBA Counselors can answer Medicare questions, help you enroll in Medicare, compare plan costs and coverage, screen for programs that help lower Medicare costs, provide referrals to other resources, and assist with reporting suspected Medicare fraud. 

To learn more about the Solid Ground SHIBA program and explore resources, visit Medicare Help & Information. 

Medicare Open Enrollment presentations 

Join one of our free Medicare Open Enrollment presentations and learn about: 

• What you can do during Open Enrollment 

• Choosing and changing plans 

• What Medigap plans are available 

• How to get help paying for Medicare 

To view upcoming in-person and online presentations, visit Medicare Workshops & Webinars.

Need help paying for Medicare? 

Many people qualify for programs that help reduce Medicare costs and don’t realize it. 

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help pay Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. 

• Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) can lower prescription drug costs, reduce or eliminate Part D premiums, and remove late enrollment penalties for eligible beneficiaries. 

If you’d like help reviewing your Medicare coverage or finding out whether you qualify for assistance programs, contact: 

Solid Ground SHIBA 

• Phone: 206.753.4806 

• Email: shiba@solid-ground.org 

CISC SHIBA (bilingual assistance) 

• Chinese: 206.823.7842 

• Vietnamese: 253.397.9946 

• Russian/Ukrainian: 206.751.6651 

Don’t wait until December. Starting your review now will give you time to compare options, ask questions, and make informed decisions before Open Enrollment begins. 

---

All photos by Michael B. Maine.