Q: What do I need to know about Medicare changes for 2027?
A: It is important to re-evaluate your Medicare insurance plan every year as plans, coverage and healthcare needs can change. Medicare Open Enrollment started on October 15th and ends on December 7th. This is the time each year when anyone who has Medicare health insurance can change their health plan and prescription drug plan. Any changes you make will become effective on January 1st of 2027.
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), provides free, unbiased counseling on all parts of Medicare. During Open Enrollment, HICAP offers One Stop Shops where you can have an appointment to review your plan, as well as community education presentations.
HICAP also provides application assistance for lower income older adults for Medi-Cal, and the Medicare Savings Program, as well counseling on Medicare Fraud issues.
I spoke to the HICAP Manager, Sonia Vaughn, and she shared that “it is so important for people to know that we are here to provide trusted, un-biased, one-on-one assistance to Medicare recipients, their families and caregivers”.
Vaughn also stressed the importance of reviewing coverage annually. “It’s crucial for beneficiaries to carefully review their plan changes every year to understand how their coverage and costs may change, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare”.
Each year, Medicare recipients will receive their plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail/e-mail. This document details upcoming changes to your monthly costs, copays, service areas, and whether your plan is being renewed or canceled. Reviewing this notice can help beneficiaries understand what to expect in the coming year and determine whether their current coverage still meets their needs.
HICAP can help individuals review these changes through one-on-one counseling appointments. Beneficiaries can discuss changes to premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, covered benefits, provider networks, and plan requirements such as prior authorization or step therapy. These appointments offer an opportunity to ask questions, compare options, and make informed decisions about healthcare coverage.
To learn more or schedule an appointment in Ventura County, visit www.vcaaa.org/our-services/medicare-help/ or call HICAP at 805-477-7300. In LA County contact 800-824-0780.
During Open Enrollment, older adults will also receive an increase in Medicare plan marketing calls, text messages, emails, and mailings. It is important to remain cautious when reviewing these offers. Never share your Medicare number with someone who contacts you unexpectedly, and be wary of promises that sound too good to be true. Take time to verify information before making enrollment decisions.
HICAP also serves as Ventura County’s local Senior Medicare Patrol resource, helping people recognize, prevent, and report potential Medicare fraud. If you encounter suspicious activity or have concerns about a Medicare offer, HICAP can help you understand what steps to take.
This Open Enrollment season, take time to review your Medicare coverage and make sure it continues to meet your healthcare needs. A little preparation now can help you avoid unexpected costs, understand your benefits, and feel more confident about your coverage in 2027.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
