The October Check-In

Medicare Open Enrollment is already underway, and East Tennessee residents who have Medicare health or drug coverage have until December 7 to review their options for 2027.

This is a useful moment to compare plans rather than waiting until the final week.

Even people who like their current plan should read the Annual Notice of Change because premiums, covered medicines, pharmacy arrangements and provider networks can change from year to year.

Any changes made during this enrollment period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

1. Look at the Total Annual Cost

A plan with a low monthly premium is not necessarily the least expensive choice.

Compare annual premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and the maximum out-of-pocket amount for applicable Medicare Advantage plans.

Think about your usual appointments, specialist care, tests and anticipated treatment when reviewing the costs.

2. Check Every Prescription

Write down the exact names, dosages and frequency of the medications you take.

Compare each plan's covered-drug list, preferred pharmacies and any restrictions such as prior authorization or quantity limits.

A drug that was affordable in 2026 could fall into a different cost category or require a different pharmacy in 2027.

Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder to compare total estimated annual drug expenses, not just monthly premiums.

3. Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether your primary care doctor, specialists and preferred hospital are in the 2027 network.

Ask both the plan and the healthcare provider to verify current participation before making a decision.

People considering a switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare should also understand how that decision could affect access to a Medigap policy; federal guaranteed-issue protections are limited in some circumstances.

4. Review Benefits You Actually Use

Some plans advertise dental, vision, hearing, transportation or wellness benefits, but those extras have conditions and limits.

Check benefit dollar amounts, participating providers and any required approvals rather than deciding on an advertising headline alone.

Consider whether the plan meets your actual medical needs first.

5. Get Free, Unbiased Help

Tennessee's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or TN SHIP, offers free, confidential counseling for Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers.

Call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 to ask questions or receive help comparing options.

You can also compare available 2027 plans directly through Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

There is no need to pay a consultant simply to access basic, unbiased plan-comparison assistance.

A Simple Plan for This Week

Gather your Medicare card, current plan notice, prescription list, preferred pharmacies and names of your doctors.

Review the alternatives while there is still time to ask questions and verify details.

The annual change window closes December 7, and there is no requirement to switch plans if your existing coverage remains the best fit.

The most important decision is an informed one based on your own health needs and budget.