Medicare Open Enrollment is underway, giving Middle Tennessee residents until December 7, 2026, to review and change their Medicare health or prescription drug coverage for 2027.

Coverage changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

Even if this year's plan has worked well, the next year's costs, drug lists and provider networks may be different.

Here are five important checks to make before deciding whether to stay with your current plan.

1. Review every prescription.

Make a list of your medications, dosages and preferred pharmacies, then check whether each drug is covered under the plan's 2027 formulary.

Look beyond the monthly premium to copays, deductibles, coverage restrictions and the total estimated annual cost of your prescriptions.

2. Confirm doctors and hospitals.

If you have Medicare Advantage, verify that your primary care doctor, specialists and preferred hospitals participate in the specific plan for 2027.

Provider directories can change, so confirm important arrangements directly with your providers and the insurer.

3. Compare the full year's expenses.

Consider premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and any applicable annual out-of-pocket maximum rather than choosing a plan based only on its advertised monthly price.

Also review the Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage sent by your current plan.

4. Understand your coverage choices.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage work differently, including in provider access, referral requirements and how prescription coverage is arranged.

Switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare does not guarantee that you can buy a Medigap supplemental policy without medical underwriting, so investigate those rules before making a change.

5. Ask for free, unbiased guidance.

Tennessee's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as TN SHIP, offers confidential, no-cost Medicare counseling to eligible residents, families and caregivers.

Call 1-877-801-0044 to request assistance, or contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

You can also use the official Medicare Plan Finder to compare available 2027 plans in your ZIP code.

You do not have to switch plans simply because enrollment is open, but it is worth confirming that the coverage you have still suits your health needs and budget.

December 7 is the annual deadline for most changes during this enrollment period, so begin reviewing now rather than waiting until the last day.