Dear Toni,
I’m enrolled in Medicare in 2025 but have not received my 2027 Medicare & You handbook, and I’m concerned about what I should do during the fall Medicare season. I have health problems, and I might make the wrong change to my Medicare or prescription drug plan. My brother said that on the cover of his Medicare & You handbook it says to go digital. What does that mean?
I am stressed by the marketing material that I am receiving from insurance plans, especially from Medicare Advantage companies. I would really appreciate any advice that you can give me since Medicare season has started. Thanks, Toni.
— Jeff from Las Vegas
Hello Jeff:
Please take your time researching your Medicare options because of your health issues. Medicare mailed the 2027 Medicare & You handbook to more than 70 million people after September 15 so it would arrive before October 1, in time for the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). That period runs from October 15 to December 7.
After September 25, I received my own 2027 Medicare & You handbook. A large blue star on the cover caught my eye. It said, “Go digital! Switch to the electronic Handbook at Medicare.gov/go-digital and make this your last paper copy.” Even for someone who works with the Medicare.gov website every day, the “go digital” message felt confusing. For now, it makes sense to wait before switching to the digital version.
Why You Should Wait on Going Digital
Switching to the electronic handbook right away can create extra stress during Open Enrollment. You may still want a paper copy you can flip through while you compare plans, write notes, and talk with family or your doctor. Waiting until next year gives you more time to get comfortable with the digital version without rushing a decision.
Step 1: Choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan
Start by deciding whether you want Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
- Ask your doctor’s office which option it recommends. Most doctors accept Original Medicare, but not every doctor accepts every Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plan. If your doctor appears in a Medicare Advantage plan’s provider directory, call the office to confirm it will still accept that specific plan next year.
- Original Medicare is run by the federal government. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help pay the deductibles and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies that Medicare has approved.
Step 2: Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Next, decide whether you need to enroll in or change your current Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.
- If you stay with Original Medicare and want drug coverage, you will need to join a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan. Most of these plans charge a monthly premium.
- If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, check that it includes Part D drug coverage. Without it, you could face a late enrollment penalty.
- Whatever you pick, make sure the plan’s formulary covers all of your prescriptions, both brand-name and generic.
Step 3: Know the Open Enrollment Deadlines
You have from Thursday, October 15 until midnight on Monday, December 7 to change or enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D plan. Any changes you make will start on January 1, 2027.
- Missing the December 7 deadline means you must wait until next year’s Open Enrollment Period.
- Open Enrollment is only for joining, switching, or dropping Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. You can change Medicare Supplement, long-term care, or dental plans at any time of year.
Remember… with Medicare, what you don’t know will hurt you!
Take your time during Open Enrollment to explore your options. Call the Toni Says Medicare hotline at (832) 519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com for help. Sign up for the Toni Says newsletter at www.tonisays.com to stay up to date with Medicare changes.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care issues. She has spent nearly 20 years as a top sales leader in the field. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664.
