Medicare Open Enrollment Action Checklist 2027

Why You Need This Checklist

Did you know that doing nothing during Medicare open enrollment is still a decision — and it could cost you thousands? Most people on Medicare assume that keeping their plan means keeping their exact coverage. That's not how it works, and the gap between that assumption and reality can mean paying more for prescriptions, losing access to a doctor you depend on, or missing benefits you thought you still had.

Here's what's actually happening: every year between October 15th and December 7th, Medicare plans quietly update their terms. Your prescription might move to a more expensive formulary tier. Your specialist might fall out of network. Your dental or vision benefit might shrink or disappear entirely. And your premium is just one number — the deductible, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximum are where the real surprises hide. By the time January 1st arrives, it's too late to change anything.

Imagine heading into 2027 with total confidence. You've reviewed your Annual Notice of Change, checked every prescription against your plan's formulary, confirmed your doctors are still in network, and compared your total yearly costs — not just the monthly premium — against real alternatives. You've even checked whether you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help that could cut your costs dramatically. You made a deliberate, informed choice. That's the difference between a Medicare plan that works for you and one that just happens to you.

Money Instructor has built a reputation for breaking down complex government programs into clear, actionable steps that real people can actually follow. This checklist is built directly from their detailed open enrollment guidance, covering every step they walk through — from finding your Annual Notice of Change to verifying your enrollment change went through. It follows the same priority order they recommend: prescriptions first, doctors and pharmacy second, total cost third.

This PDF checklist gives you all 11 steps in one place so you can work through open enrollment systematically without losing track of where you are. Check off each step as you go, use it alongside Medicare's Plan Finder at medicare.gov, and bring it to any conversation with a SHIP counselor or licensed adviser. Stop leaving your 2027 coverage to chance — print this checklist and start today.

What's Inside — Preview

Every checklist item comes with actionable notes to guide you — things like "Don't forget to do this before you start," "Avoid this common mistake," or "Set a reminder for 30 days out." Nothing vague, just clear next steps.

SCHEDULE Mark your calendar: Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with changes effective January 1, 2027.

CHECK Locate your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter from your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan.

CHECK Read your ANOC and answer four key questions: What is happening to my prescriptions, my doctors and pharmacy, my costs, and my extra benefits?

PLAN Write down every prescription you take — including drug name and dosage — before looking at any new plans.

PLAN Write down every doctor, specialist, preferred hospital, and preferred pharmacy you want to keep in 2027.

+ 10 more action items inside...

Medicare Open Enrollment Action Checklist 2027

Why You Need This Checklist

What's Inside — Preview

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