Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency overseeing the program, reminds on its website: “October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs” — meaning from October 15 to December 7, every Medicare participant can change their health plan or prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. This annual decision-making window applies to millions of Americans aged 65 and older, including thousands of Polish seniors and immigrants living permanently in the US.
The Letter You Must Not Throw Away: Annual Notice of Change
Before the enrollment period begins, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are required to send each participant an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter — by September 30 at the latest, usually in the second half of September, by mail or email. The document describes all changes taking effect on January 1, 2027: the monthly premium amount, the network of doctors and hospitals, the list of covered drugs, copays and out-of-pocket spending limits, and additional benefits such as dental or vision care.
Individuals who have not received the letter by the end of September should contact their plan directly, verify their mailing address, and request that the document be resent — or download it through their online participant account. Medigap (supplemental) plans do not send an ANOC because their scope of benefits is standardized by law and does not change annually.
What Is Already Known About the 2027 Plans
On July 28, 2026, CMS published preliminary technical data regarding insurance company offerings for 2027: the national average monthly bid amount for Part D plans is $296.05, and the base beneficiary premium, which is used to calculate surcharges for higher-income individuals, is $41.33. These are baseline figures for further negotiations with insurance companies — CMS announces the final premiums for specific Medicare Advantage and Part D plans that will reach participants in the following months, prior to the start of enrollment.
Why This Matters for the Polish Community
For many older Polish people in the United States, Medicare is the primary source of health insurance, and the decision made during these seven weeks — from October 15 to December 7 — impacts medical and drug costs for the entire following year. The language barrier is often the biggest obstacle here: ANOC letters and comparison materials arrive exclusively in English, and misreading a change in the drug formulary could mean a sudden increase in prescription copays in January. Free advisory assistance — also available in many languages, subject to translator availability verification — is offered by local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) programs and the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline.
What to Do Before October 15
A few steps worth taking before enrollment starts:
- Locate and read the Annual Notice of Change letter from your current plan — pay attention to premium changes and the drug list.
- Check whether your regular doctors and hospital are still in the plan’s network for 2027.
- Compare the copays for medications you take regularly under the plan’s new formulary.
- If in doubt, consult the changes with a SHIP counselor or via 1-800-MEDICARE before making a decision.
If, after analysis, your current plan is no longer worthwhile, changes can be made precisely within the October 15 – December 7 window; the new policy will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Polish doctors and medical facilities in your area that will help you navigate your plan selection can be found in the Polish Pages directory.
