10/24/2026
The Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) lasts until December 7. Now is the time to choose your Medicare coverage for 2027!
Question: If I join a Medicare Advantage plan, do I still need to pick a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan?
There are two main points to keep in mind. First, if you join a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO, many plans include a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan as part of the coverage. The second point is that in most instances you must use the Prescription Drug plan that is part of the Medicare Advantage coverage; meaning you cannot join a Medicare Advantage health plan and then join another company’s Prescription Drug plan. It is important to verify that your prescription medications are covered by any Medicare Advantage plan you are considering.
Those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (PDP) may experience changes to their plan benefits and/or premium for 2027. Carefully review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter sent early October by your Medicare insurance plan to verify all changes to your coverage for next year.
If you need assistance comparing the Medicare plans available in your area, please visit MedicareOnDemand.com/UTHealthEastTexas or call the Helpline toll-free at 855-480-0040, TTY 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
*MedicareOnDemand is a non-government platform hosted by MedicareCompareUSA, an independent health insurance agency not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 6 organizations that offer 24 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
