Medicare's Open Enrollment Period Is Only a Month Away. 3 Things to Do Now to Prepare.

Key Points Review your current insurance coverage and identify what you like and dislike about it. Record all medications, specialists, and services you expect to need in 2027. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on premiums and deductibles next year. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › The 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15, 2026, to Dec. 7, 2026, and it's most people's only chance to change their Medicare coverage for next year. It's important to take this seriously, as the policies you choose could significantly affect your healthcare costs and budget. If you want the Open Enrollment process to go as smoothly as possible, here are three things worth doing within the next few weeks to prepare yourself. Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue » Image source: Getty Images. 1. Review your current insurance coverage, and note likes and dislikes Look over your current Medicare and supplemental health insurance policies, and note which aspects of them you like and which you'd like to change, if possible. Think about coverage options, in-network doctors, prescription medications, cost, and customer support. Keep an eye out for information from plan providers about changes to your existing policies for 2027. Review this carefully. If there are any major changes you don't like, that could be a reason to switch policies during the Open Enrollment Period. 2. Make a list of the medications and services you'll need covered in 2027 Start making a list of your must-have coverage options so you can quickly weed out plans that don't include the services and medications you need. Record all the medications you're taking or that you think you may need in the coming year. If you know you have an upcoming procedure or will need to see a certain specialist, note this as well. Check all plan options you're considering to make sure they'll cover these services. 3. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on premiums and deductibles Note what your current premiums and deductibles are, and once you know what your plan(s) will charge next year, record the new prices as well. Then, think about how much you could afford to pay each month for retirement healthcare costs . You can use this to weed out plans that are out of your price range right from the start. Combined with the other information you recorded in the previous steps, you should be able to quickly narrow your options to a handful of plans that best suit your needs. Then, you can dive deeper into the policy details of each to see which offers the greatest value. It's best to start this process soon after the Open Enrollment Period begins so you have plenty of time to review your options. Mark the start date on your calendar so you won't forget. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more ... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Join Stock Advisor to learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" » The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

Review your current insurance coverage and identify what you like and dislike about it.

Record all medications, specialists, and services you expect to need in 2027.

Figure out how much you can afford to spend on premiums and deductibles next year.

The 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15, 2026, to Dec. 7, 2026, and it's most people's only chance to change their Medicare coverage for next year. It's important to take this seriously, as the policies you choose could significantly affect your healthcare costs and budget.

If you want the Open Enrollment process to go as smoothly as possible, here are three things worth doing within the next few weeks to prepare yourself.

Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »

Look over your current Medicare and supplemental health insurance policies, and note which aspects of them you like and which you'd like to change, if possible. Think about coverage options, in-network doctors, prescription medications, cost, and customer support.