Heads up about an important Annual Notice of Change coming soon. We all receive so much mail that it is easy to toss what we think is unimportant. This is especially true for those on Medicare. The amount of solicitation mail is crazy!
I urge you to be on the lookout for the Medicare Annual Notice of Change this fall, outlining the changes you may expect beginning in January 2027. According to Medicare’s official explanation of the Annual Notice of Change, people enrolled in Medicare plans receive the notice from their plan each fall, generally in September.
It explains changes to coverage, costs, and other plan details that will take effect in January. Medicare specifically recommends reviewing those changes to determine whether your current plan will continue meeting your needs during the upcoming year.
If September passes and you haven’t received this Annual Notice of Change, Medicare advises contacting your plan. Do not assume nothing is changing.
Photo by Ann H: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wooden-letters-spell-out-changes-on-textured-background-32240408/
Before You Begin
Before thinking about 2027, it’s a good idea to review what 2026 looked like for you. Take a look at what you paid, what services you used, whether your deductibles were met, and whether you anticipate any changes for 2027?
Another benefit of this exercise is getting a head start on your 2026 taxes! **I know, I’m crazy!
Potential Changes to Look For
Medicare reminds beneficiaries that health and drug plan costs and benefits can change each year. There are a couple of areas to pay close attention to:
- Costs: Depending on your plan, premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket responsibilities can change annually
- Prescription Changes: Drug Plans may elect to change the formulary (the list of medications they will cover), and any changes involving a drug’s coverage or cost-sharing that can affect what you pay at the pharmacy
- Doctors: Check in with your doctors to ask if the doctors or services you rely on are or aren’t available under the coverage you have had or plan to sign up for
Evidence of Coverage
An additional document typically mailed separately is the Evidence of Coverage Document. Medicare says the Evidence of Coverage provides details about what your health or drug plan covers, what you pay, and other important information, and it’s generally also provided in September.
The Annual Notice of Changes and the Evidence of Coverage Documents are not marketing materials! These two notices are useful tools when you begin planning your 2027 health care coverage.
The good news is that there are incredible professional insurance advisors to help you and me make these decisions! Let me know if you’d like recommendations – I’m happy to share.
Coming in October
The official Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 will be announced on or around October 14, 2026. Stay tuned for this.
Several SNAP changes take effect around October 2026. A new funding formula could slow down office wait times. Some changes are confirmed. Others are still pending official numbers. Here is an overview of what I found from the SNAP Benefit Calculator:
- Work requirements now cover ages 18–64. Adults aged 55–64 lost their exemption under federal law.
- The 3-month benefit limit is strict. Miss the 80-hour monthly work rule and benefits can stop after 3 months.
- New benefit amounts are still pending. USDA is expected to release official FY 2027 figures in August 2026.
- The FY 2026 max benefit for a family of 4 is $994 a month. That figure runs through September 30, 2026.
- Some states are restricting “junk food” purchases. Waivers affect states like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma, but rules vary widely.
- Administrative funding cuts may slow down state offices. Longer wait times are possible during recertification.
The National Council on Aging posted a great article on the federal budget and appropriations for aging service programs. To date, the appropriations bills have not passed the House or Senate. The full year 2027 begins on October 1st. Let’s see what is passed or if there is another shut-down.
Photo by George Frewat: https://www.pexels.com/photo/view-of-trees-with-autumnal-orange-leaves-19156351/
Fall is on the Way!
Schools are opening near me, reminding me that autumn is almost here! I’ve been playing around with the idea of creating a video to talk about The Ready Room. After years of hearing how people are caught off guard by the level of detail required by 3rd parties during and after a health event or natural disaster, it is a good time to offer a place where we can dedicate time to collating and organizing those details.
A light bulb went off, and I’d like to invite you to test the concept with me. I’ve created a complimentary registration for us to meet on Zoom for one hour on Wednesday, September 16th at 0845 Pacific Time. If you’re interested, sign up HERE. If you have personal questions, we’ll pop into a breakout room for your privacy.
If you have questions, please feel free to Email me. If you’d like to learn more about my work, check out my website @ The Living Planner. I know I cover numerous topics every Sunday. I hope you find this helpful. Let me know either way; it’s always good to hear from you.
I’ve written my book for people who would like to consider planning for now and after a loss. The 2026 edition of Living Planner What to Prepare Now While You Are Living © can be purchased HERE.
Quote of the week: “Doing something for yourself gives motivation, but doing something for others gives meaning.” Maxime Lagacé
Let’s get you ready! Lynn
#Can’tPredictCanPrepare #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness