Key dates for 2027 coverage
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| By September 30, 2026 | Your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends its Annual Notice of Change for 2027. |
| October 15, 2026 | Open enrollment opens. |
| December 7, 2026 | Open enrollment closes. Changes start January 1, 2027. |
| December 31, 2026 | Last day to replace a plan that's ending without a gap in coverage. |
| January 1 to March 31, 2027 | Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: one change if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan. |
| February 28, 2027 | Special enrollment period ends for people whose plan isn't renewing. |
What you can change
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or back.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan.
For 2027, CMS lists 119 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone in Ohio and 9 standalone Part D plans. You can join only plans sold in your county; see the counties page.
Ohio public retirees have their own dates
- OPERS: Medicare-eligible retirees make 2027 plan changes through the OPERS Medicare Connector from October 15 to December 7, 2026.
- STRS Ohio: its open enrollment runs November 1 to 24, 2026. STRS Ohio warns that joining any other Part D plan cancels your STRS Ohio coverage.
- OP&F: changes through its marketplace are due by December 7 for January 1 coverage.
Check with your system before changing anything; see Ohio public retirement systems and Medicare.
If your plan is ending
For 2027, some companies stop offering some Medicare Advantage plans in parts of Ohio, and at least 38,178 Ohioans must choose new coverage. If you got a non-renewal letter, choose by December 31, 2026 to avoid a gap. See my plan is ending in 2027 and Ohio plans ending in 2027.
To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. Full details are on Medicare open enrollment in Ohio.
Related questions
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
One change from January 1 to March 31.
What is the Annual Notice of Change?
The letter to read before you decide.
Can I change plans after open enrollment?
Later windows and special enrollment periods.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Joining a health or drug plan (enrollment periods)
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods (plan not renewed)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62, election of coverage under an MA plan
- CMS — Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape files, contract year 2027 (plan counts)
- OPERS — 2027 OPERS Health Care Program Open Enrollment
- STRS Ohio — Open-Enrollment Resource Center
- Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund — Medicare FAQ
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Ohio?
- Do I get a guaranteed right to buy Medigap if my plan leaves Ohio?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in Ohio. What do I do?
- What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
- What is the Medicare Annual Notice of Change?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving Ohio in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Ohio (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss December 7?
Your current plan continues if it's renewing. After December 7 you can change only in the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan) or with a special enrollment period, such as when your plan is ending.
Does Medigap have an open enrollment in the fall?
No. Fall open enrollment covers Medicare Advantage and Part D plans only. Ohio has no Medigap birthday or anniversary rule, so outside your first 6 months with Part B at 65 or a guaranteed-issue situation, a Medigap company can ask health questions.
When does my new plan start?
Any change you make between October 15 and December 7 starts January 1, 2027. If you make more than one change, the last one you make by December 7 counts.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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