Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and continues through December 7, 2026, giving people with Medicare an opportunity to review or change their health and prescription drug coverage for 2027.

Choices made during this annual period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

For residents of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol and surrounding Northeast Tennessee communities, the most useful first step is to look closely at the coverage they already have, rather than assuming that last year's choice remains the best fit.

Start with the annual notice of change

People enrolled in Medicare Advantage or a Part D prescription drug plan should review any annual notice explaining changes to premiums, deductibles, covered medications, pharmacy arrangements and other benefits.

Even when a plan keeps the same name, its costs or rules may change from one year to the next.

Make a simple list of regular doctors, preferred hospitals, medications and pharmacies before comparing alternatives.

Look beyond the monthly premium

A low premium is only one part of healthcare costs, so compare deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and the potential costs of medications and ongoing treatment.

People considering a Medicare Advantage plan should verify directly whether their doctors and facilities participate in the plan's network and whether referrals or prior authorization may be required.

Those considering Original Medicare should understand how separate Part D coverage works and investigate Medigap eligibility and enrollment rules before assuming supplemental coverage will be available.

Review 2027 options carefully

Some insurance companies are changing or discontinuing plan offerings for 2027, making it especially important to review official notices and compare the options available in the reader's ZIP code.

Medicare's Plan Finder allows people to compare available plans using their prescriptions, pharmacies and geographic location.

Where to find unbiased local help

Tennessee's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as TN SHIP, provides free and unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-877-801-0044.

The First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability also connects residents in eight Northeast Tennessee counties with aging resources and Medicare counseling information through its information line at 1-866-836-6678.

Counselors can help people understand their options without steering them toward a particular insurance company.

A practical enrollment checklist

Gather your current plan information, list your prescriptions and healthcare providers, estimate expected medical needs, compare total costs and confirm any proposed plan directly with the insurer before enrolling.

Remember that the annual fall window is primarily for people already covered by Medicare and is not the same as the initial enrollment period when someone first becomes eligible.

Making a thoughtful comparison now can help avoid unwelcome surprises when new coverage begins in January.