Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey reminds Medicare beneficiaries that it’s time to compare their current plans and make necessary changes during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
“Many plans have indicated that they intend to have increases, some significantly,” Commissioner Causey said. “This is not the year to simply say, ‘I’m happy with what I have,’ without exploring your options.” Commissioner Causey urged Medicare beneficiaries to contact a Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor during this year’s Open Enrollment Period so you can get expert advice for meeting your healthcare needs for next year.
The Open Enrollment Period begins Oct. 15 and will run for eight weeks. Changes must be made by Dec. 7 to guarantee your coverage will begin without interruption on Jan. 1, 2027.
It’s important to contact your local SHIIP counselor before deciding about coverage for 2027. This may help you receive a more affordable and better Medicare health and/or drug plan in your area. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be another plan in your area that covers your healthcare and/or drugs at a better price.
SHIIP is a division of the Department of Insurance and offers free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues. SHIIP counselors can also help people find out if they are eligible for Medicare cost savings programs.
Here are some ways to review and compare plans available for 2027:
- Get one-on-one help from your local SHIIP office.
- Get one-on-one help from SHIIP by calling 1-855-408-1212 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit www.medicare.gov to compare your current coverage with all the options that are available in your area and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.
- Review the Medicare & You 2027 handbook mailed to people with Medicare last month.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
- Contact your trusted licensed insurance agent.
SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents. They do not sell, endorse, or oppose any product, plan or company. If you have questions about your specific plan, we encourage you to contact your insurance agent or the insurance company.
For more information about SHIIP and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, call 1-855-408-1212 or visit www.ncshiip.com.