For Lexington and Central Kentucky residents with Medicare, fall brings a practical task that deserves a place on the calendar: reviewing health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year.

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with changes made during this period taking effect January 1, 2027.

The deadline applies to this annual opportunity to change Medicare health and drug plans; it is separate from the initial enrollment rules for people signing up for Medicare for the first time.

Start with your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change, which explains changes to costs and benefits for the coming year.

A plan that worked well this year may deserve another look if your prescriptions, preferred pharmacy, doctors or care needs have changed.

Gather your medication names, dosages and how often you fill them, along with your current plan information and a list of the providers you want to keep.

Compare the full cost of coverage, including premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, rather than judging a plan only by its monthly premium.

For prescription coverage, check whether each medicine is covered, what restrictions apply and whether your preferred pharmacy affects the price.

If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm directly with the plan and your providers that your doctors and hospitals participate for 2027.

A familiar plan name does not replace a fresh review of next year’s details.

This enrollment period allows eligible beneficiaries to join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or drug coverage, including switching between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.

If a change would affect supplemental coverage, ask about Medigap eligibility and any underwriting requirements before making the switch.

Free, unbiased help is available through Kentucky’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP.

The Bluegrass Area Development District identifies SHIP counseling as a resource for comparing plans, understanding benefits and addressing billing or fraud concerns.

Call the statewide SHIP number, 1-877-293-7447, to ask about assistance, or contact Bluegrass Aging and Disability Services at 1-866-665-7921 for regional guidance.

You can also compare options through the official Medicare Plan Finder or call 1-800-MEDICARE, which is 1-800-633-4227.

Ask what documents to have ready and whether an appointment is needed before visiting a counseling location.

Not everyone needs to change plans, but everyone considering a change benefits from checking the details before submitting an enrollment request.

Begin the review early enough to resolve questions before December 7, when the plan must receive your request for the change to take effect January 1.