Medicare Annual Open Enrollment begins Thursday, October 15. This is the time Medicare beneficiaries can examine their options for how to receive their Medicare benefits including Medicare Advantage, Part D plans, traditional Medicare and/or Medigap plans.  Check out Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: What You Need To Know for more information about Medicare Annual Open Enrollment and how your organization may be able to help those you serve with these critical decisions. 

Based upon the 2027 MA plan offerings, it is projected that as many as 4.5 million beneficiaries will need to make a new plan selection because their current MA plan is not being renewed. Analysts indicate that plans are increasing out-of-pocket costs for their enrollees who access care and reducing benefits for 2027 even if premiums may be remaining steady. Check out 2027 Medicare Advantage Changes: Lower Premiums, Higher Stakes. for more details on what is changing and potential impacts for beneficiaries and providers. 

Finally, the MA plan Star Ratings have been published for 2027 and will be included on Medicare Plan Finder.  While plans have improved on some key metrics related to readmissions and care transitions, overall star ratings have declined. For plans receiving less than 4 stars, this will translate into lower revenue and potential lost enrollment. With fewer dollars, we expect plan contract and reimbursement discussions will still be difficult in the coming year. Check out 2027 MA Star Ratings Released: Why It Matters for Providers to prepare for these discussions.