Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: What It Means for Medicare Supplement Plans

Key point: Medicare Open Enrollment is for Medicare Advantage and Part D. It is not a Medigap enrollment window. You can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan any day of the year, but outside your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period, most carriers can ask health questions.

➤ When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027?

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes you make take effect January 1, 2027.

➤ Can I change my Medicare Supplement plan during Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, not Medigap. You can apply to change your Medicare Supplement plan any time of year, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue right, most carriers can ask health questions.

➤ Is there a Medigap open enrollment every year?

No. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period happens once, for 6 months starting when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. There’s no yearly Medigap enrollment window, though some states have birthday or anniversary rules.

➤ Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement during Open Enrollment?

Yes, you can drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment. But buying a Medigap plan may require passing health questions unless you have a guaranteed issue right, such as the trial right, or live in a state with extra protections. Apply for Medigap before you leave your Advantage plan.

➤ Should I review my Part D plan if I have Medigap?

Yes. Medigap doesn’t cover prescription drugs, so most people pair it with a Part D plan. Part D premiums, drug lists and pharmacies can change each year, so Open Enrollment is the time to compare your Part D options for 2027.

➤ What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

From January 1 to March 31, 2027, people already in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare once. Medigap underwriting rules still apply if you want to add a Medicare Supplement.

➤ Does my Medicare Supplement change on January 1?

Your Medigap benefits don’t change, because plan letters are standardized. Your premium can change on your policy anniversary or when your carrier files a rate increase, and Medicare’s own deductibles can change each year.

➤ What happens if I miss the December 7 deadline?

You generally can’t change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans until the next window unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medigap applications aren’t tied to this deadline, so you can still apply for a Medicare Supplement.