Open enrollment 2027: don't pick on premium alone

Medicare open enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026. Marketplace enrollment starts Nov. 1 in most states.

Step 1: Add up the fixed cost

Monthly premium x 12, minus any employer contribution or subsidy.

Step 2: Estimate your care

Use last year's visits, prescriptions and planned procedures. Then apply the deductible, copays and coinsurance.

Step 3: Find the worst case

Out-of-pocket maximum plus premiums. This is the cap for covered, in-network care.

Example (made-up numbers)

Light year: $500 of care. Plan A: $300/mo premium, $6,500 deductible. Total $4,100, lowest of three.

Same plans, hospital year

$60,000 of care. Plan A total $13,600. Plan C ($600/mo, $4,000 cap) total $11,200.

Read the full guide

Compare plans, check networks and drug lists, and see 2027 dates and HSA limits at finovativehub.com/open-enrollment-2027-compare-health-plans/