Whether you recently enrolled in Medicare or have been on Medicare for years, we are now just a few months away from the Annual Enrollment Period, also called AEP.

AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this window, you can join, drop, or switch Medicare Advantage and/or Part D prescription drug plans, with changes effective January 1.

Even if you are happy with your current plan, this is still an important time to review your coverage.

Why?

Because Medicare plans can change every year — and so can your health needs, prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and budget.

Here are a few 2027 updates and reminders to keep on your radar before we head into Q4.

  1. Your annual plan review matters — even the ‘extras’

Sometimes staying with your current plan is the right decision.

But it should still be an informed decision.

Each year, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change things like premiums, copays, deductibles, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, pharmacy pricing, and extra benefits.

  • Are your doctors still in network?
  • Are your prescriptions still covered?
  • Does your preferred pharmacy still make sense?
  • What are the copays, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits?
  • Are the extra benefits meaningful for how you actually use care?

That is why we recommend reviewing your plan every year — not because you necessarily need to change, but because your priorities and health needs may have changed since last year, and you also deserve to know what is changing before January 1.

  1. Part D drug coverage continues to evolve

Prescription drug coverage remains one of the most important reasons to review your Medicare plan annually.

For 2027, CMS finalized the standard Part D deductible at $700 and the standard Part D out-of-pocket threshold at $2,400, up from $615 and $2,100 in 2026.

That does not mean every person will pay those exact amounts. Your real costs depend on your specific medications, pharmacy, plan formulary, drug tier, prior authorization rules, and whether your plan changes its coverage for the new year.

Bottom line: even if your medications have not changed, your drug costs still deserve a fresh look.

  1. More negotiated drug prices take effect in 2027

Some high-cost medications may be affected by Medicare drug price negotiations beginning in 2027.

CMS announced negotiated prices for 15 additional Medicare Part D drugs that go into effect January 1, 2027. This includes several commonly discussed medications, such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Trelegy Ellipta, Linzess, Xifaxan, Tradjenta, Janumet/Janumet XR, and others.

This may help some Medicare beneficiaries, but it does not replace the need for a plan review.

It is still important to check your specific plan’s formulary, drug tier, pharmacy pricing, and utilization rules such as prior authorization or step therapy.

  1. GLP-1 access is getting attention

Speaking of GLP-1 medications, CMS has announced a short-term Medicare GLP-1 Bridge demonstration program.

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries may have access to certain GLP-1 medications for weight management through this program. CMS says the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will run through December 31, 2027, and will operate outside of the standard Part D benefit’s coverage and payment flow.

This does not mean every Medicare beneficiary will automatically qualify.

Eligibility depends on factors such as enrollment in an eligible Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan, clinical criteria, BMI thresholds, covered use, and prior authorization submitted by a medical provider.

CMS currently lists eligible products including Foundayo®, Wegovy® and Zepbound® KwikPen®, though the product list may be updated over the course of the program.

Important reminder: GLP-1 access can be complicated. If this is relevant to you, ask your doctor to help determine whether one of these medications is medically appropriate. We can also review how your Medicare drug plan handles your current medications, pharmacy preferences, and any prior authorization or step therapy requirements.

  1. Your Annual Notice of Change is the “do not toss this” document

Each fall, Medicare plans send an Annual Notice of Change, often called an ANOC.

This document explains what is changing for the upcoming year, including changes to costs, coverage, provider networks, pharmacy networks, drug formularies, and extra benefits.

When your ANOC arrives, please do not toss it!

Send it to us, bring it to your annual review, or keep it handy so we can walk through what matters before AEP begins.

Bringing it all together

Medicare Annual Enrollment is not about changing plans just to change plans.

It is about making sure your coverage still aligns with your needs.

Sometimes the right answer is to stay exactly where you are. Sometimes there may be another option that better fits your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacy, budget, or lifestyle.

At Christiansen Insurance Services, we listen to what’s most important to you, help review your available options, and walk through important plan changes so you can feel confident in your coverage decisions.

Do you have questions? Want to get your annual Medicare review on the calendar before AEP begins? Contact us today and Say YES to CIS!