Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15 with changes for 2027 in Georgia

Medicare open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins Thursday, October 15, and runs through December 7, allowing Georgia beneficiaries to review or change their Medicare plans, according to ktok.iheart.com and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Key changes for 2027 include higher out-of-pocket costs for Part D prescription drug coverage, with the maximum deductible rising to $700, a $75 increase from 2026, and the out-of-pocket spending limit increasing to $2,400 from $2,100.

The temporary federal premium subsidies that helped reduce Part D premiums will end, potentially leading to higher premiums for enrollees. Starting in 2027, Medicare-negotiated prices will apply to 15 prescription drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Medicare Advantage plans will receive a 2.48% payment increase from Medicare in 2027, which could affect plan benefits, provider networks, and enrollment availability. Some insurers may reduce benefits, increase copays, or limit enrollment in certain areas, according to the Medicare Rights Center.

Telehealth coverage will continue through December 31, 2027, allowing beneficiaries to access virtual doctor visits from home, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has not released all official 2027 details yet, but early forecasts suggest increases in Part B premiums and deductibles.

Georgia Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to carefully compare plans during the open enrollment period, considering factors like drug coverage and provider networks to find the best option for their needs.