Medicare dates and deadlines for 2027
The dates that apply to everyone on Medicare in 2027: the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, when your Annual Notice of Change must arrive, and when next year's costs are announced. Your own first enrollment window depends on your birthday, not on these dates.
2027 plan year begins
New plan benefits, premiums and the 2027 deductibles take effect. Changes made during last fall's Annual Enrollment start today. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and the General Enrollment Period both open. More →
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment and General Enrollment close
Last day for Medicare Advantage members to make their one allowed switch, and the last day of the General Enrollment Period for people who missed their first chance to sign up for Part B. More →
CMS finalizes 2028 payment rules
The annual rate announcement sets the standard Part D deductible and out-of-pocket cap for 2028.
2028 Part D base premium announced
CMS publishes the national base Part D premium, which also sets the Part D late enrollment penalty for the coming year.
Annual Notice of Change arrives
Your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan must send its Annual Notice of Change listing what changes January 1, 2028. Read it before Annual Enrollment opens. More →
2028 plans can be shown
Plans may begin marketing 2028 coverage and the Medicare Plan Finder shows next year's plans. Agents can discuss them with you from today, though enrollment cannot start until October 15.
Star Ratings released
Medicare publishes its one-to-five-star quality ratings for 2028 plans. More →
Annual Enrollment Period opens
Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for 2028. The last enrollment you submit by December 7 is the one that counts. More →
Social Security cost-of-living adjustment announced
The COLA for 2028 is announced once September inflation figures are out. Part B premiums are deducted from most Social Security checks, so the two numbers together decide what you see in January.
2028 Part A and Part B costs announced
CMS announces the 2028 Part B premium and deductible, Part A deductible and coinsurance, and the IRMAA income brackets.
Annual Enrollment Period closes
Last day to change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the coming year without a Special Enrollment Period. More →
Five-star special enrollment window begins
From December 8, 2027 through November 30, 2028, you can switch once to a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan rated five stars, if one is offered where you live.
Windows that depend on you, not the calendar
- Initial Enrollment Period: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. Turning 65 checklist →
- Medigap open enrollment: the six months after your Part B starts, when you can buy any Medigap policy without health questions.
- Special Enrollment Periods: opened by life events such as moving, losing employer coverage or your plan ending; most last about two months. If your plan is ending →
- Working past 65: if you have employer coverage, you get an eight-month Special Enrollment Period after the job or the coverage ends to sign up for Part B without a penalty.
Common questions
When is Medicare open enrollment in 2027?
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7, 2027, for coverage starting January 1, 2028. Medicare Advantage members also get one switch between January 1 and March 31, 2027.
When will I get my Annual Notice of Change for 2028?
Plans must deliver it by September 30, 2027. If yours has not arrived by early October, call your plan's member services number.
Is there an annual window for Medigap?
No. Medigap has no yearly open enrollment. Your best window is the six months after your Part B starts, when you can buy any policy without health questions. Outside that, a company can ask about your health unless you have a guaranteed issue right.
What if I miss December 7?
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change between January 1 and March 31. Otherwise you need a Special Enrollment Period, which a life event such as moving or losing coverage can open.
I am turning 65 this year. Which dates apply to me?
Your own Initial Enrollment Period: the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. It does not depend on the calendar dates on this page.