Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: What People With Parkinson's Should Review

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and plan changes can affect the prescriptions, specialist visits, and therapy that many people with Parkinson's disease (PD) rely on. In a recent PASWFL PD Talk, Halley Devlin, a SHINE volunteer Medicare counselor, walked through Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D and shared what is known about 2027. Keep reading for the key points, the changes to watch, and where to get free help.

Here's the part that surprises people: two people can buy the same Medigap plan and pay more than $100 a month apart. Keep reading to learn why, and how to avoid overpaying.

What Do Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D Cover?
Medicare Part A covers hospital and other inpatient care. Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor visits, lab work, and outpatient rehab. Together they make up original Medicare. Part C is Medicare Advantage, offered by private insurers, and Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medigap, also called Medicare supplement insurance, has no letter. It helps pay the Part A and B deductibles and copays. According to Devlin, Part B generally pays 80 percent of outpatient costs, and most preventive services are now covered at 100 percent. In 2026, the Part A deductible per benefit period is $1,716, and the Part B premium is $206.50 a month with a $288 annual deductible. Higher incomes pay more for Part B.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?
Medigap works alongside original Medicare. Every plan of the same letter, such as Plan G, offers identical benefits; only the premium differs. For a new 65-year-old, Plan G premiums can vary by more than $100 a month, from under $200 to over $300. You have guaranteed issue rights during the first six months on Part B. After that, insurers can use medical underwriting and may decline you. Medigap premiums rose 11 to 17 percent last year.

Medicare Advantage replaces original Medicare with a private plan that must cover everything Parts A and B cover, often with drug coverage and extras. In Florida, plans are HMOs, PPOs, or special needs plans, which serve people in institutions, people with both Medicare and Medicaid, or people with certain chronic conditions. You cannot hold both Medigap and Advantage. Networks can change during the year, so check that your neurologist and therapists are in network.

How Can You Avoid Medicare Scams?
Neither Medicare nor Social Security calls out of the blue asking for information. Both normally contact you by letter. A call offering free medical equipment or genetic screening is a scam, so do not share your Medicare or Social Security number.

Where Can You Get Free Help Choosing a Plan?
You can compare plans on Medicare.gov by entering your medications, or you can get one-on-one help from SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). SHINE volunteers are free, and the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida takes referrals through its Elder Helpline in Fort Myers. SHINE also holds in-person counseling events at six sites, including Hope Lutheran in Bonita Springs, Vanderbilt Presbyterian, Marco Island Lutheran, Saint Peter the Apostle, and Saint William. Devlin noted that Medicare.gov has become much more user-friendly in recent years. SHINE can also screen you for Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs, which assist people with lower incomes.

Frequently Asked Questions
When is Medicare open enrollment?
Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this period, anyone on Medicare can review and change Advantage and Part D plans.

Can I have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan?
No. Anyone can apply for Medigap unless they are on an Advantage plan, and you cannot hold both.
Does my Medicare plan move with me if I relocate to another state?A Medigap plan usually moves with you, but check with the company about premium changes. Part D drug plans are state-specific, so you will need a new one. Update your address with Social Security.

Does Medicare call people to ask for information?
No. Neither Medicare nor Social Security calls out of the blue. Both usually contact people by letter.

Where Can I Find Medicare Education for PD?
The Parkinson's Association of SWFL offers Medicare education free to members. Membership is also free, and you don't need to live in SWFL to take part in many of their programs because they are offered online through Zoom. Click here to join: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html

The Bottom Line
Review your Part D and Advantage plans every year, because premiums, networks, and benefits change. For people with PD, who often juggle several prescriptions, specialist visits, and therapy, a yearly check can catch a gap before January. Check whether you can find cheaper coverage that fits your needs, and ask for free help if you want it. PASWFL members can also watch recorded PD Talks on the website.

This article is educational and based on a PASWFL PD Talk. Figures are as stated by the presenter at the time of the talk, and 2027 details may change. It is not insurance or legal advice. Confirm costs at Medicare.gov or with a SHINE counselor.

Why Support Matters
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.

For resources, referrals, and support in navigating Parkinson’s and related conditions, contact the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.

For 30 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality services and programs to individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups, including:
•Wellness and fitness classes
•Speech Exercise classes
•Educational seminars
•Support for care partners
•Support groups
There are no fees to become a member, and PASWFL welcomes anyone touched by PD.

Take the First Step Toward Living Well
If you suspect early Parkinson’s or have been recently diagnosed, you don’t have to face it alone.
👉 Click here to sign up for the PASWFL newsletter
👉 Click here to become a member…it’s free and confidential
To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.
You don't have to live in SWFL to benefit from membership to the PASWFL. Membership is free and open to anyone with PD, their care partners or family members.