Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries across the country get a window to review their coverage and make changes for the coming year. That window — Open Enrollment — runs from October 15 through December 7. After December 7, you're locked into your current plan for all of 2027.
If you're on Medicare in Monroe, McMinn, Loudon, Blount, Knox, or surrounding East Tennessee counties, here's what you need to know before the deadline.
Why Plans Change Every January 1
Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans are required to notify you of changes to your plan each fall in what's called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). These changes can include:
- Premium increases — your monthly cost may go up
- Higher copays or deductibles — what you pay at the doctor or pharmacy
- Network changes — your doctor or hospital may no longer be in-network
- Drug formulary changes — a medication you rely on may be dropped or moved to a higher tier
Many seniors receive this notice and set it aside. That's understandable — it can be dense reading. But ignoring it means you may be surprised by higher costs or coverage gaps in January.
What's New for Medicare in 2027
While final plan details are released each fall, there are a few things East Tennessee seniors should be aware of heading into 2027:
Part D out-of-pocket cap continues to phase in. The Inflation Reduction Act capped out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare Part D enrollees. This is good news for seniors on expensive medications — but the specific cap amount and how it applies to your plan depends on which plan you're enrolled in.
Medicare Advantage plan availability shifts. Insurers enter and exit markets every year. A plan that was available in your county last year may not be offered in 2027, or a better plan may have entered your area. The only way to know is to compare.
Benchmark premiums and cost-sharing vary by county. What's available in Knox County may be different from what's available in Monroe or McMinn County. A local agent who knows your area can make sure you're seeing all your options.
The Three Questions to Ask Before December 7
Before Open Enrollment closes, every Medicare beneficiary should be able to answer these three questions:
1. Are my doctors still in-network? If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your network can change. Confirm your primary care physician and any specialists are still covered.
2. Are my prescriptions still covered — and at what cost? Drug formularies change annually. A medication that was Tier 2 last year may be Tier 3 or higher in 2027, significantly increasing your cost.
3. Is there a plan that covers more for less? New plans enter the market every year. You may be able to get dental, vision, or hearing coverage added — or lower your premium — by switching.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Our licensed agents at Senior American Insurance Group serve seniors across East Tennessee at no cost to you. We're not tied to any single insurance company — we compare plans from multiple carriers to find what actually fits your needs and budget.
A consultation takes about an hour. We'll review your current plan, walk through your options side by side, and answer every question you have — with no pressure and no obligation.
Book your free Medicare consultation before December 7
Appointments are available Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM, at our office at 211 College St N, Madisonville, TN. We also serve clients throughout Monroe, McMinn, Loudon, Blount, Knox, and surrounding counties.
Don't wait until the last week — our calendar fills up fast during enrollment season.