CONTRIBUTED CONTENT: Medicare & You 2027

Yes, it’s that time of year again, your Medicare & You 2027 Book should be in the mail. if you haven’t received it yet!

All the changes for 2027 are in the new Medicare & You 2027, except for the dollar amounts for 2027, for example Part B premium, Part B Deductible, etc.

Mark your calendar with these key dates.

October 1, 2026: Start comparing your current Medicare health/drug coverage

October 15 to December 7, 2026: Change your Medicare health/drug coverage for 2027, if you decide to.

January 1, 2027: New coverage begins if you made a change.

January 1 to March 31, 2027: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time.

• • •

Some Medicare Advantage plans will not be offered in Kootenai County (and other counties) for 2027. This means your Medicare Advantage coverage will end December 31, 2026, and you must enroll in another plan to avoid loss of coverage! Keep your carrier letter. It’s proof that you have a special right to buy a Medigap/ Supplement policy or join a plan.

Parts of Medicare

Part A — Hospital Insurance

Part B — Medical Insurance

Part C — Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C)

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

Medigap — Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy

Medigap plans — A — N (ask about options and restrictions)

Notes about Medicare

Part A and Part B are often referred to as Original Medicare

• Medicare Advantage plans are enrolled by County but not available in all counties.

• Medicare standalone drug plans are identical in Idaho and Utah — all other states are allowed to have unique plans.

• Since Medicare Advantage plans and Drug plans vary widely, your friends and relatives in other areas have different choices than you do.

Medicare Supplement plans must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you. Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) has special rules including the ‘Birthday Rule’ that does not exist in all states. Ask your agent if you qualify.

Who is your local licensed Agent!!! Plan premiums are the same with or without a local licensed agent’s guidance and assistance. An agent can help you avoid the Part B and Part D penalty.

• • •

Information provided by the Miles Insurance Team, William Miles