Every fall, Medicare lets you change your Part D drug plan or your Medicare Advantage plan. This year's window runs from October 15 to December 7. Whatever you choose starts on January 1.
Plans change every year, even when you don't. A drug that cost you $10 this year can move to a higher tier next year, or need approval from the plan first. A pharmacy that was "preferred" can become standard. So it's worth checking, even if you were happy in 2026.
We don't recommend plans. That's your decision, and free unbiased counselors can help with it (see below). What we can do is help you get the facts together.
1. Read Your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan mailed you an Annual Notice of Change in late September. It lists what's changing next year: premium, deductible, drug tiers and pharmacy network. If you can't find it, call the number on the back of your plan card and ask for another copy.
2. Make a List of Every Medication You Take
Write down the name, the strength and how often you take it. Include anything you take only occasionally. This list is what you'll enter in Medicare's Plan Finder, and the plan's price depends on it.
At Healarian Pharmacy: ask us and we'll print a list of the prescriptions you fill here, with strengths. Call 212-317-0828 or stop by 1658 3rd Avenue.
3. Check That Each Drug Is Covered, and How
For each medication, look for three things in the new plan:
- Is it on the formulary (the plan's list of covered drugs)?
- Which tier is it on? Higher tiers cost more.
- Does it need prior authorization or step therapy? Both mean extra paperwork before the plan pays.
4. Check Your Pharmacy
Make sure your pharmacy is in the plan's network for 2027. Some plans also have "preferred" pharmacies with lower copays. Plan Finder shows this when you enter your pharmacy. If you fill with us, enter Healarian Pharmacy, 1658 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10128.
5. Compare Total Yearly Cost, Not Just the Premium
A low monthly premium can come with a high deductible or high copays. Plan Finder adds premium, deductible and your drug costs together into an estimated yearly total. That total is the number to compare.
6. Ask About Spreading Out Your Costs
If large drug bills early in the year are a problem, ask your plan about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. It lets you pay your out-of-pocket drug costs in monthly amounts instead of all at once.
Where to Get Free, Unbiased Help
- Medicare Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours a day
- HIICAP, New York's free Medicare counseling program. In NYC, call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) and ask for HIICAP.
More on how we help: Seniors & Medicare at Healarian and our free medication review.
Zimo Wahdan, RPh, Owner & Pharmacist, Healarian Pharmacy