A new Medicare season begins, but some shifts will arrive in 2027

WASHINGTON (AP) — Open enrollment for Medicare plans begins Thursday and enrollees will face a slew of changes that go into effect in 2027.

During the enrollment period, which ends Dec. 7, people will have the opportunity to choose between traditional Medicare and privately run Medicare Advantage plans in their area, as well as prescription drug plans. Those changes go into effect on Jan. 1.

Open enrollment also comes as inflation adds pressure on seniors whose healthcare costs have risen and as midterm elections are weeks away. Voters have consistently said cost-of-living is a major concern headed into the elections.

The Medicare enrollment period also comes as the Social Security Administration announced Wednesday that the annual cost-of-liv...