The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Plans opens today, October 15, 2026, and runs through December 7, 2026. Ahead of this year’s enrollment window, more than 87,000 Iowa Medicare beneficiaries statewide received notice that their current Medicare plan is being canceled or discontinued in their county – including an estimated 573 beneficiaries in Jackson County.
A complete list of affected Medicare Advantage, Cost, and Part D plans, along with affected counties, is available on the SHIIP-SMP website at: https://shiip.iowa.gov/find-resources/whats-new-medicare.
“It’s more important than ever that Iowa Medicare recipients open and read mail from their Medicare plan to understand changes to their coverage and explore their 2027 options,” said Kristin Griffith, Iowa’s SHIIP-SMP Director. “SHIIP-SMP is stepping up to empower Iowans with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to find coverage that best serves them at the lowest possible cost.”
In Jackson County, local Medicare beneficiaries should be on the lookout for the following:
- Cancelled Plans:
Wellmark Advantage Health Plan – Blue Medicare Advantage PPO (PPO) (H5900-001) (Plan members in Jackson: 151)
Aetna – SilverScript Choice (PDP) (S5601-050) (Plan members in Jackson: 409)
Humana – Humana Full Access (PPO) (H5216-411) (Plan members in Jackson: 13)
- Loss of Mayo Clinic Network:
A major change for 2027 is that Iowans will no longer be able to purchase Medicare Advantage plans that provide in-network coverage with the Mayo Clinic with the cancellation of both Wellmark and Medica’s Medicare Advantage PPOs. - Guaranteed Issue Rights:
Iowans whose Medicare Advantage plans are canceled qualify for a “Guaranteed Issue” right. This allows them to switch to Original Medicare and purchase an available Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without medical underwriting—meaning insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing health conditions.
- December 7, 2026: Standard Open Enrollment deadline for comparing and selecting 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
- December 31, 2026: Deadline for individuals losing their plan to select new coverage without experiencing a gap in coverage starting January 1, 2027.
- February 28, 2027: Deadline to make changes under a Special Enrollment Period for those whose plans were canceled.
- Online Self-Service Resources: The SHIIP-SMP website offers answers to frequently asked questions and instructional video guides on creating a Medicare.gov account, using the Medicare Plan Finder tool, and comparing Part D or Medicare Advantage plans.
- 24/7 National Helpline: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock help comparing plans.
- Local 1-on-1 Assistance: Visit the “Find a Counselor” page at shiip.iowa.gov or call 1-800-351-4664 to connect with a local SHIIP-SMP site. Counselor availability is limited, and appointments fill up quickly.
