Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 15 to December 7, 2026 | Open Enrollment for 2027: join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D plans |
| December 31, 2026 | Last day to choose a new plan if yours is ending, so coverage starts January 1 with no gap |
| January 1, 2027 | New plans and the 2027 Part D out-of-pocket cap of $2,400 take effect |
| January 1 to March 31, 2027 | Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (one change) and the General Enrollment Period for Part B |
| February 28, 2027 | Special enrollment period ends for people whose 2027 plan didn't renew |
| By October 15, 2027 | Employers and plans send creditable drug coverage notices |
| October 15 to December 7, 2027 | Open Enrollment for 2028 |
If your Ohio plan is ending
For 2027, some companies stop offering regular Medicare Advantage plans in some or all Ohio counties and others end some plans, so at least 38,178 Ohioans must choose new coverage. Every Ohio county still has regular Medicare Advantage plans. If you got a non-renewal letter, choose a new plan by December 31; if you don't, you'll have Original Medicare without drug coverage on January 1. You also have a federal right to buy Medigap without health questions until 63 days after your plan coverage ends. See Ohio plans ending in 2027.
Your own deadlines
- Turning 65: your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, and your 6-month Ohio Medigap open enrollment once Part B starts.
- Leaving a job: 8 months to sign up for Part B, and 2 full months to join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
- Moving: usually through 2 full months after the move.
- Ohio Medicaid, MyCare Ohio or Extra Help: you can change drug or integrated plans once a month.
Details on Medicare enrollment periods and Medicare open enrollment in Ohio. To compare 2027 plans, see plans for your ZIP code, or you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What if I miss my enrollment period?
Penalties and your next chance.
When should I sign up if I'm turning 65?
Your 7-month window.
What happens to my Medicare if I move to Ohio?
Your moving window.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — When can I join a health or drug plan?
- Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62, Medicare Advantage election periods
- Medicare.gov — Special enrollment periods (plan non-renewal)
- CMS — CY2027 Landscape and plan crosswalk files
More questions in this guide
- Can I get Medicare before 65 in Ohio?
- Do I need Medicare Part B if I'm still working at 65 in Ohio?
- How do I sign up for Medicare in Ohio?
- What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment period in Ohio?
- What happens to my Medicare if I move to Ohio?
- When should I sign up for Medicare if I'm turning 65 in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare enrollment periods in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the December 7 deadline?
Your current plan continues into 2027 if it's renewing. If you're in Medicare Advantage, you can still make one change from January 1 to March 31, 2027. If your plan is ending, you have a special enrollment period through February 28, 2027.
When will the 2027 Part B premium be announced?
CMS announces the next year's Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles in the fall, usually in November. Until then, the 2026 amounts apply; see the Medicare costs in 2027 page for updates.
Is there a 2027 deadline for Ohio Medigap?
There's no yearly Medigap deadline in Ohio, because Ohio has no birthday rule. Your guaranteed windows are your own 6-month open enrollment at 65 and, if your Medicare Advantage plan ends, a guaranteed-issue right that lasts until 63 days after that coverage ends.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
