Iowans can change Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans through Dec. 7, while SHIIP offers free help comparing 2027 coverage.
Updated Oct. 6, 2026.
Iowans with Medicare can make changes to their 2027 coverage from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026. Changes made during the annual Open Enrollment Period will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Open Enrollment allows people already enrolled in Medicare to review and change Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. It also allows beneficiaries to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or return from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.
Plan options for 2027 are already available for comparison before the enrollment period begins. Medicare’s Plan Compare tool allows users to review plans based on ZIP code, prescriptions and preferred pharmacies.
In Iowa, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIIP, provides free, objective and confidential counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers.
Medicare Open Enrollment ends Dec. 7
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026.
During that period, people who already have Medicare can make several types of coverage changes for the following year:
- switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another;
- join or leave a Medicare Advantage plan;
- switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage;
- return from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare;
- join, drop or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan when eligible.
Changes generally must be submitted by Dec. 7 for the new coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
2027 Medicare plans are already available for comparison
Medicare has made 2027 coverage options available through its online plan comparison tool ahead of the Oct. 15 enrollment opening.
Medicare Plan Compare allows users to enter a ZIP code and review Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans available in their area.
Costs and coverage can change from one year to the next. Premiums, deductibles, copays, covered medications, preferred pharmacies, provider networks and additional benefits may all differ in 2027.
Annual notices show how current plans will change in 2027
People who are already enrolled in a Medicare plan receive an Annual Notice of Change each fall.
The notice outlines changes to coverage, costs and other plan rules that will take effect in January. Medicare says beneficiaries should receive the notice in September.
Comparing that notice with available 2027 plans can show whether prescription costs, preferred pharmacies, provider networks or other benefits have changed.
SHIIP offers free Medicare counseling across Iowa
SHIIP provides one-on-one help comparing Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and other coverage options.
The service is free and confidential. Iowa has a statewide network of trained counselors who assist beneficiaries by phone and at hospitals, health centers and other community locations.
Iowans can search for local assistance through the SHIIP counselor directory.
SHIIP can also be reached at 1-800-351-4664. The TTY number is 1-800-735-2942.
Leaving Medicare Advantage can affect Medigap options
A beneficiary can return from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment, but doing so does not automatically guarantee access to every Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policy.
Outside certain enrollment periods or guaranteed-issue rights, an insurer may use medical underwriting before approving a Medigap policy.
For that reason, access to supplemental coverage can be an important factor when comparing options before leaving Medicare Advantage.
Open Enrollment is different from enrolling in Medicare for the first time
The Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 Open Enrollment Period is mainly for people who already have Medicare and want to review or change their coverage for the next year.
People who are turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time may have different enrollment periods depending on when they qualify and their individual circumstances.
2027 plan options are already available for comparison. Changes can be submitted beginning Oct. 15, and the annual Open Enrollment Period closes Dec. 7.
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