Health Tips and Information

Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage will have several important changes in 2027.

The overall structure of Part D is staying largely the same, but beneficiaries may see changes to deductibles, out of pocket costs, drug prices and monthly costs.

Here are the most important changes to know.

1. The Part D Deductible Will Increase to $700

The maximum standard Medicare Part D deductible will increase from $615 in 2026 to $700 in 2027.

This does not mean every plan will charge a $700 deductible. Some plans may offer:

• A lower deductible
• No deductible
• A deductible that applies only to certain drug tiers

Always check the details of your specific plan.

2. The Annual Out of Pocket Limit Will Increase to $2,400

Medicare Part D now includes an annual limit on how much beneficiaries can pay out of pocket for covered prescription drugs.

For 2027, that limit will increase:

• 2026: $2,100
• 2027: $2,400

Once you reach the applicable out of pocket threshold, Part D medications may be covered for the rest of the calendar year.

This protection can be especially important for people who take expensive medications.

3. More Drugs Will Have Medicare Negotiated Prices

Beginning January 1, 2027, Medicare negotiated prices will take effect for 15 additional high cost Part D drugs.

Some of the medications included are:

• Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy
• Trelegy Ellipta
• Xtandi
• Ibrance
• Linzess
• Xifaxan
• Vraylar
• Tradjenta
• Janumet and Janumet XR
• Otezla and Otezla XR

CMS estimates that the new negotiated prices could save Medicare Part D beneficiaries hundreds of millions of dollars in out of pocket costs.

Your actual cost will still depend on your plan, pharmacy, formulary and where you are in your Part D coverage.

4. Part D Premiums May Change

Beneficiaries should pay especially close attention to their monthly costs for 2027.

A temporary Medicare program designed to help stabilize monthly costs for stand alone Part D plans is scheduled to end after 2026.

That does not mean everyone’s monthly cost will increase. However, the cost could vary more from one plan to another.

The national Part D base beneficiary premium for 2027 is $41.33, up from $38.99 in 2026.

Keep in mind that this is not necessarily the amount you will pay. Actual monthly cost vary by plan and location.

Important Part D Protections Continue

Several important Medicare Part D protections will remain in place for 2027.

These include:

• No Part D coverage gap, commonly called the donut hole
• No cost sharing for covered Part D drugs after reaching the annual out of pocket limit
• No cost sharing for certain recommended adult vaccines
• Limits on what beneficiaries pay for covered insulin
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows you to spread prescription drug expenses throughout the year rather than paying a large amount at the pharmacy all at once.

It does not reduce the total cost of your prescriptions, but it can make those costs easier to budget.

Why You Should Review Your Part D Plan Every Year

Even if you are happy with your current plan, Medicare drug coverage can change from year to year.

Insurance companies may change:

• Monthly costs
• Deductibles
• Copayments and coinsurance
• Covered medications
• Drug tiers
• Pharmacy networks
• Prior authorization requirements

Your own prescriptions can change too.

That is why simply staying with the same plan every year may not always be the best approach.

What Should You Do Before Medicare AEP?

Before Medicare’s Annual Election Period begins, take a few simple steps:

1. Make a list of your current medications, including the name, dosage and how often you take each one.
2. Confirm that your medications are covered by the plans you are considering.
3. Check your preferred pharmacy to see whether it is in the plan’s network.
4. Review total estimated costs, not just the monthly costs.

A plan with a low out of pocket  costs is not necessarily the least expensive option if your medications have higher copays or are not covered.

Medicare AEP Runs From October 15 Through December 7

The Medicare Annual Election Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.

During AEP, beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. Changes generally take effect January 1.

With the Part D deductible increasing, the annual out of pocket limit changing and new negotiated drug prices taking effect, it is worth taking a few minutes to review your coverage for 2027.

If you are unsure how these changes may affect you, one of our licensed insurance agents can help you compare your options based on your medications, preferred pharmacies and individual needs.

Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP), also commonly called Medicare Open Enrollment, begins October 15 and runs through December 7 each year. During this important enrollment window, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review their current coverage and make certain changes for the coming year. Changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1.

October 15 will be here soon, so now is the time to start preparing. Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, reviewing your Medicare plan options each year can be worthwhile because plan premiums, benefits, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, pharmacy networks, and other details can change from one year to the next.

What Changes Can You Make During AEP?

Depending on your current coverage, Medicare AEP gives you several options. You can:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, with or without prescription drug coverage.
• Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Leave a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
• Join, drop, or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans if you have Original Medicare.

However, having the ability to make a change does not necessarily mean you need one. If your current coverage continues to meet your healthcare and financial needs, you may decide to keep it.

Start Preparing Before October 15

You don’t have to wait until AEP begins to get organized. Start by reviewing the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and other information sent by your current plan. Look for changes to premiums, deductibles, copays, prescription drug coverage, and provider or pharmacy networks. CMS specifically recommends reviewing the ANOC and Evidence of Coverage materials when evaluating coverage for the coming year.

It’s also a good idea to make a current list of your medications, preferred pharmacies, doctors, specialists, and healthcare facilities. Think about how your healthcare needs may have changed during the past year. A plan that worked well before might not necessarily be the most appropriate option for the year ahead.

Talk to Your Health Insurance Broker

Medicare choices can become complicated quickly, particularly when you are comparing premiums, drug formularies, provider networks, copays, and additional benefits.

That’s where your health insurance broker can help. Instead of trying to sort through all of the choices alone, speak with your broker before or during AEP. We can help you review your current coverage, discuss changes for the upcoming year, and compare available options based on your individual needs.

Medicare AEP begins October 15, so now is the perfect time to prepare. Gather your information, review your current plan, and schedule a conversation with us, your health insurance brokers, so you will be ready when the enrollment period opens.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare may still seem a little way off, but now is the perfect time to start preparing. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can make changes to your coverage that will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Waiting until the last minute can make the process feel overwhelming. By getting organized now, you’ll have more time to review your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Start by reviewing how your current Medicare plan has worked for you over the past year. Have your healthcare needs changed? Are you taking new prescription medications? Have you started seeing new doctors or specialists? Your answers to these questions can help determine whether your current plan is still the best fit.

Next, gather important information before enrollment begins. Make a list of your current medications, including dosages and how often you take them. Also write down the names of your physicians, preferred hospitals, and any specialists you regularly visit. Having this information readily available makes it much easier to compare plans when AEP begins.

It’s also a good idea to think about your budget. Premiums, deductibles, copayments, and prescription drug costs can change from year to year. Looking beyond the monthly premium and considering your total expected healthcare expenses can help you select a plan that offers the greatest overall value.

Don’t assume that your current plan will remain exactly the same. Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans can make changes each year to premiums, provider networks, covered medications, and out-of-pocket costs. Reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which your plan sends each fall, is an important step in understanding what may be different for the upcoming year.

Many people also benefit from discussing their options with a licensed Medicare professional. Medicare can be complicated, and comparing multiple plans on your own can be time consuming. An experienced advisor can explain your choices, answer your questions, and help you evaluate plans based on your individual healthcare needs and budget.

The good news is that you don’t have to navigate Medicare alone. Our Medicare planning services are completely free, and we’re committed to helping you find coverage that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re considering a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Prescription Drug Plan, or reviewing your current coverage, we’re here to help.

With AEP beginning on October 15, now is the time to prepare. Contact us to schedule your complimentary Medicare review. We’ll help you compare your options, understand your benefits, and choose the Medicare plan that’s right for you with no cost or obligation.

If you’ve been following the news lately, you may have seen alarming headlines suggesting that Medicare Advantage plans are “going away.” Understandably, these reports have left many Medicare beneficiaries wondering whether they’ll lose their coverage or need to find a completely different type of health plan.

The good news is that Medicare Advantage plans are not going away.

What is happening is that some insurance companies periodically choose to discontinue certain plans or make changes to the plans they offer. This has always been part of the Medicare landscape. Every year, insurance carriers review their offerings based on costs, enrollment, and other business factors. While some plans are discontinued, many others remain available, and new plans are often introduced.

In fact, Medicare Advantage continues to be a very popular choice among Medicare beneficiaries. As of February 2026, more than 35 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, representing more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries. That number continues to demonstrate the strength and popularity of the program.

While the total number of available plans has declined slightly in recent years, beneficiaries still have more Medicare Advantage plan choices in 2026 than they did in 2022 or any earlier year. In other words, there are still plenty of options available for most people.

Another reason Medicare Advantage remains attractive is the value it offers. Nearly every Medicare beneficiary has access to at least one $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, although beneficiaries must still pay their Medicare Part B premium. In addition, at least 98 percent of Medicare Advantage plans include valuable benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, services that Original Medicare generally does not cover.

The program also continues to receive strong financial support. In 2026, rebate payments from Medicare to Medicare Advantage plans are expected to reach record levels, averaging more than $2,600 per enrollee. These funds help lower out-of-pocket costs, reduce premiums, and provide the supplemental benefits that many beneficiaries appreciate.

The bottom line is this: don’t let sensational headlines cause unnecessary worry. If your current plan is being discontinued, you’ll have opportunities to enroll in another Medicare plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

If you’ve heard the recent news and are concerned about your Medicare coverage, we’re here to help. Contact us for a Medicare plan review. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you choose the Medicare plan that’s right for you. Our assistance is always free.

We have exciting news for Medicare beneficiaries who have been interested in GLP-1 medications but were discouraged by the high cost. Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries may be able to access certain GLP-1 weight loss medications through the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program for a flat $50 monthly copay.

For many seniors, medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, and Foundayo have been financially out of reach, often carrying costs that can exceed hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month. The new program is designed to make these medications more affordable and accessible for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary demonstration program that will run from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. Eligible beneficiaries may be able to receive covered GLP-1 medications for a predictable $50 monthly copay.

While this announcement has generated significant excitement, it is important to understand that not everyone will automatically qualify. Eligibility requirements apply, and beneficiaries may need prior authorization from their healthcare provider. Qualification is generally based on factors such as body mass index (BMI), certain health conditions, or a combination of those factors.

If you have struggled with obesity or weight-related health concerns, this program could provide a valuable new treatment option. Research has shown that GLP-1 medications can help support meaningful weight loss while also improving certain obesity-related health conditions when combined with appropriate lifestyle changes and medical supervision.

As with any Medicare-related change, it is important to understand how new programs may affect your specific situation. Questions often arise regarding eligibility, prescription drug coverage, prior authorizations, and how benefits coordinate with existing Medicare plans.

That is where professional guidance can make a difference. Medicare rules and programs are constantly evolving, and staying informed can help you take advantage of valuable opportunities when they become available.

If you have questions about the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program or any aspect of your Medicare coverage, we are here to help.We will review your plan, explain your options, and help you understand how changes in Medicare may affect your healthcare choices.

As always, if you have questions about your Medicare plan, don’t hesitate to give us a call at JPN Insurance. We are committed to helping you make informed decisions and get the most from your Medicare benefits.