October 15 – December 7, 2026
As autumn arrives in Hampton Roads, it is time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their healthcare coverage and prepare for the year ahead. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026, giving eligible beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current plans and make changes for 2027. Any changes made during this period generally take effect on January 1, 2027. Learn more from Medicare.gov.
At Seniors Helping Seniors® Hampton Roads, we understand that navigating healthcare decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when plan details, prescription costs, and coverage options change from year to year. Taking time to review your options can help you make informed decisions and feel more prepared for the months ahead.
Why Is Medicare Open Enrollment Important?
Your current Medicare plan may not offer exactly the same coverage or costs in 2027. Monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, prescription drug coverage, and participating healthcare providers may change.
Even if you have been satisfied with your current plan, reviewing it each year can help you determine whether it continues to meet your healthcare needs and budget.
During Medicare Open Enrollment, eligible beneficiaries can:
- Review their current Medicare coverage and compare it with available options for the upcoming year.
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans if another plan better fits their healthcare needs.
- Move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, subject to the applicable enrollment rules.
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, depending on their current coverage and circumstances.
Before making a change, consider your healthcare needs, preferred doctors, medications, pharmacy, and expected out-of-pocket costs. You can compare available plans using the official Medicare Plan Finder.
Your Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
Preparing a few important details ahead of time can make the process easier.
1. Review Your Annual Notice of Change
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, review the plan documents you receive, particularly the Annual Notice of Change. This document explains changes to benefits, costs, and coverage for the coming year.
Pay attention to premium increases, deductibles, copayments, and any changes that could affect your healthcare expenses.
2. Check Your Doctors and Healthcare Providers
If keeping your current doctors is important to you, verify whether they will remain in your plan’s network for 2027. Also, check whether your preferred hospitals and other healthcare providers are covered under the plan you are considering.
3. Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Make a current list of your medications, including dosages, and check whether each prescription is covered under your plan for 2027.
Compare drug costs, deductibles, and preferred pharmacies. A plan that worked well for your prescriptions last year may not be the most suitable option this year.
4. Compare Total Costs, Not Just Monthly Premiums
A low monthly premium does not necessarily mean a plan will cost less overall. Consider the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, prescription expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs you may incur throughout the year.
5. Ask Questions Before Making Changes
If you are uncertain about a plan’s benefits or enrollment rules, seek help from a trusted, qualified resource. Avoid making decisions based solely on unsolicited phone calls, advertisements, or pressure to enroll quickly.
You do not have to navigate the process alone.
Free Medicare Counseling Is Available Through VICAP
For seniors in Hampton Roads who need help understanding their Medicare options, the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) offers a valuable resource.
VICAP provides free, unbiased, confidential counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, adults with disabilities, and their families. Trained counselors can help explain Medicare coverage, compare insurance options, review prescription drug plans, and identify potential assistance programs. Counselors provide information to help you make your own informed decision rather than selling you an insurance plan.
To get started, contact VICAP through the Virginia Division for Aging Services:
- Toll-free phone: 1-800-552-3402
- Website: Virginia Division for Aging Services
You may also contact a local Area Agency on Aging to ask about Medicare counseling services:
- Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia: (757) 461-9481 — serving South Hampton Roads communities.
- Peninsula Agency on Aging: (757) 873-0541 — serving older adults and families on the Virginia Peninsula.
When contacting a local agency, ask about current VICAP counseling availability, appointment requirements, and the documents you should bring. Source: Virginia State Corporation Commission’s senior resources.
Connect With Your Community at Local Active Aging Events
Community events can also be an opportunity to learn about programs and services that support healthy aging. Hampton Roads residents may wish to explore upcoming Active Aging Expo events, which bring together community resources and organizations serving older adults.
One upcoming event listed for October is:
Liberty Live Active Aging Expo
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666
Event details are listed on Senior Advocate’s Hampton Roads events page. Please confirm event details with the organizer before attending. Contact the event organizers to determine whether Medicare counseling or enrollment assistance will be available at the event.
A Note for Family Caregivers
Family members and caregivers often help older adults organize paperwork, compare options, and keep track of important deadlines. With the senior’s permission, they can help gather medication lists, identify preferred healthcare providers, and prepare questions for a counselor.
A little preparation and support can make the process feel more manageable while allowing seniors to remain involved in decisions about their own healthcare.
Mark December 7 on Your Calendar
Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7, 2026. If you plan to make changes to your Medicare health or prescription drug coverage for 2027, allow yourself enough time to review your options and complete the enrollment process before the deadline.
If you are satisfied with your current plan, verify that it will continue to meet your needs and that it remains available for 2027. You do not necessarily need to change plans simply because Open Enrollment has arrived.
For official Medicare information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Supporting Seniors Through Every Season
At Seniors Helping Seniors® Hampton Roads, we believe that aging well includes having the information, resources, and support needed to maintain independence and quality of life. While Medicare decisions are personal, seniors and their families do not have to navigate every challenge on their own.
Whether you are reviewing your coverage, connecting with local resources, or helping a loved one prepare for the new year, taking one step at a time can make a meaningful difference.
Here’s to a healthier, more informed 2027!
Seniors Helping Seniors® Hampton Roads is sharing this information for general educational purposes. We do not provide Medicare enrollment counseling or insurance recommendations. For personalized guidance, contact Medicare or a qualified VICAP counselor.