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Enrollment & timing

The July 28 Bid Release Starts the Clock on the Most Consequential Medicare Open Enrollment in Years

Plan sponsors must finalize 2027 bids by August 6. Members get written notice of changes by September 30. Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, and this year drug plan prices and insurer footprints are both in flux.

By the Goodsurance editorial teamJuly 28, 2026

On July 28, 2026, CMS released the 2027 Medicare Part D bid parameters, formally opening the calendar for the 2027 plan year. Plan sponsors must complete rebate reallocation by August 6 and notify CMS of de minimis program participation by August 11. After CMS reviews and approves bids, every plan must send enrolled members an Annual Notice of Change by September 30, 2026, detailing all adjustments to premiums, cost-sharing, covered drugs, and provider networks for 2027. Medicare open enrollment then runs October 15 through December 7. This season carries unusual weight for two reasons. The Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, which buffered standalone drug plan premiums from sharp year-over-year increases, ends after 2026, leaving plan-specific 2027 premiums unknown until bids are finalized and open enrollment begins. Separately, multiple major Medicare Advantage carriers are revising their county-by-county service footprints for 2027. Beneficiaries who skip the annual plan comparison risk automatic renewal into coverage that is more expensive, has a narrower network, or covers fewer drugs than the current year. Consumer advocates recommend reviewing the September notice as soon as it arrives, using Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to compare 2027 options, and consulting a free State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor before making a final decision.

Your plan must tell you what changes in 2027 by September 30. Open enrollment starts October 15. This year the stakes are higher than usual.

In plain words

On July 28, CMS gave plan companies the numbers they need to finalize 2027 Medicare plans. By September 30, your plan must send you a letter saying what will change in 2027. Then, from October 15 to December 7, you can switch plans if you want. This year matters more than most. Drug plan prices are expected to go up for most people. Some Medicare Advantage plans are also changing where they work. If you do nothing, you stay in your current plan. Check that September letter carefully. You can compare plans for free at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Understand the basics first

Source: CMS
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