Is My Plan Ending?

What Happens Next

These are the dates for 2027 Medicare Advantage and drug plans, in order. They start with the letters that plans send in the fall and end with the last change in March.

The Dates, Step by Step

  1. By September 30, 2026 Plans that continue send the Annual Notice of Change so it arrives by this date. It says what changes in 2027. If you didn't get it, contact your plan.
  2. October 1, 2026 2027 plans are on Medicare Plan Finder.
  3. By October 2, 2026 A plan that is ending or leaving your county (for drug plans, your state) must send you a letter saying so by this date.
  4. October 15 – December 7, 2026 Open Enrollment. Anyone with Medicare can change plans for 2027. The new plan must get your request by December 7 to start January 1, 2027.
  5. December 8 – December 31, 2026 Special window. If your plan is not offered in 2027, you can still pick a new plan. It starts January 1.
  6. December 31, 2026 A plan that is not offered in 2027 ends, unless the letter from your plan offers another option. It covers you through this day.
  7. January 1, 2027 New coverage starts. If your plan is not offered in 2027 and you didn't pick a new one, you have Original Medicare.
  8. January 1 – February 28, 2027 The special window continues for plans not offered in 2027. If you pick in January, it starts February 1. If you pick in February, it starts March 1. February 28 is the last day. If your plan covered your drugs, you have no Medicare drug coverage until your new plan starts, unless Medicare put you in a drug plan because you get Extra Help.
  9. January 1 – March 31, 2027 If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, you can make one change.

The special window until February 28 is for plans that are not offered in 2027. It doesn't apply if your plan is being replaced.

If You Do Nothing

Your Plan Is Offered in 2027

You stay in your plan. Your Annual Notice of Change says what's different in 2027.

Your Plan Is Being Replaced

You don't need to do anything to stay covered. You'll be in the new plan on January 1, 2027. Your Annual Notice of Change names the new plan and explains what's different.

For some plans, CMS's file also lists the plan as ending, so some members may not be moved. The Annual Notice of Change or the letter from the plan says which.

Your Plan Is Not Offered in 2027

  • Medicare Advantage plan: you will have Original Medicare on January 1, 2027. If your plan covered drugs, you will not have Medicare drug coverage, unless you get Extra Help (below).
  • Drug plan (Part D): you will not have Medicare drug coverage on January 1, 2027, unless you get Extra Help (below).
  • With Extra Help: if you still get Extra Help in 2027, Medicare will put you in a drug plan unless you pick one yourself. Look for a letter from Medicare in late October or early November. This is for Medicare Advantage and drug plans. In a Cost plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask. This doesn't apply in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.
  • You may have to pay a late penalty if you go 63 days or more in a row without drug coverage. That means Medicare drug coverage, or other drug coverage that is at least as good. You won't be charged this penalty while you get Extra Help.
  • If your Medicare Advantage or Cost plan is not offered in 2027 and you go back to Original Medicare, you may have a right to buy a Medigap policy (Medicare Supplement Insurance). You can apply as soon as you get the letter saying your plan is ending. You can apply until 63 days after your plan's coverage ends. Keep the letter from your plan.
  • In Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Medigap policies are set up differently from other states. Your state insurance department can say which policies are sold there.

Check Your Plan and Get Free Help

Use the plan check on our home page to see whether your plan is offered in 2027. Checking for a parent or relative? Read Checking a Plan for a Parent or Relative.

Special Enrollment Periods on Medicare.gov. More answers are on Common Questions.

Confirm with your Annual Notice of Change or the letter from your plan saying it is ending.