By Marc Gilman, Gilman Agency, serving Bedford, Manchester, Nashua, and all of New Hampshire
Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026, and shopping will take more care than usual this year. According to The Wall Street Journal, major Medicare insurers are trimming benefits and raising out-of-pocket costs for the third year in a row. Around 3.2 million people nationwide are in Medicare Advantage plans that are closing or leaving their markets, according to the Medicare brokerage Chapter.
New Hampshire is feeling it directly. Aetna and WellSense are leaving the state's Medicare Advantage market for 2027, affecting more than 14,200 people according to the New Hampshire Department of Insurance. Coos County will have no Medicare Advantage plans at all.
Even if your plan isn't going away, it has probably changed. Here are six things to check before you decide.
1. Run your prescriptions through Medicare's Plan Finder
Drug costs are where many people get surprised. Drug deductibles in Medicare Advantage plans are rising 30% on average for 2027, often well above $500. Stand-alone Part D plans are shrinking too, to 316 nationally, and many people would pay substantially more if they kept the same Part D plan.
Enter every prescription, with its dose, into the Medicare.gov Plan Finder. Compare your estimated total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium.
2. Look for tier and deductible changes
A drug that cost you a small copay this year may move to a higher tier, or fall under the deductible, in 2027. Check your plan's Annual Notice of Change and its 2027 drug list (formulary) for every drug you take.
3. Call to confirm your doctors and hospitals
Hospital systems are increasingly ending their Medicare Advantage contracts, and online provider directories aren't always current. Call your doctor's office, and call the plan, to confirm they'll be in network for all of 2027.
4. Read the fine print on prior authorization
Some plans require approval before certain services, tests, or drugs. The Summary of Benefits gives an overview, and the Evidence of Coverage has the details. If you have a planned surgery or ongoing treatment, check these rules before you enroll.
5. Compare the out-of-pocket maximum, not just the premium
Many Medicare Advantage plans still have a $0 premium. The costs show up when you use care. Maximum out-of-pocket limits are rising 10% on average for 2027. Some plans are also raising specialist copays, or switching to coinsurance, where you pay a percentage of the bill instead of a flat amount. Extra benefits like dental, over-the-counter allowances, and transportation are being cut back at many large insurers.
6. Decide early this year
Some Medicare Advantage plans are capping enrollment. Once enough people join, the plan closes to new members. If you find a plan you like, don't wait until December 7 to enroll.
What if your plan is ending?
If your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area, you have extra rights. You get a Special Enrollment Period, and you can buy certain Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies without health questions. Medigap with Original Medicare is the least restrictive option, since it works with any provider that accepts Medicare, but outside of Guaranteed Issue periods, it can be hard to qualify for. If you live in Coos County, read our guide to your 2027 options.
Get help comparing
Gilman Agency helps Medicare beneficiaries in Bedford, Manchester, and across New Hampshire compare plans at no cost. We'll check your prescriptions, doctors, and total yearly costs, and show you the trade-offs.
Call (800) 927-9326, email marc@gilmanagency.com, or complete our Permission to Contact form and a licensed agent will reach out.
You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.
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