If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be asking yourself a familiar question this fall:

Should I keep my Medicare Advantage plan for 2027—or switch to something else?

If you live in Murfreesboro or Rutherford County, you’re likely to see plenty of Medicare advertisements during Annual Enrollment telling you about other plans and benefits.

But seeing another plan advertised doesn’t necessarily mean you should change yours.

Your current Medicare Advantage plan may still be an excellent fit.

Or something important may have changed—either with your plan or with your healthcare—that makes it worth considering other options.

The key is knowing what to review before you decide.

First: You Don’t Have to Change Medicare Advantage Plans Every Year

Let’s clear this up first.

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people with Medicare can make certain changes to their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the following year.

But Annual Enrollment is an opportunity to change coverage—not a requirement to do so.

If your current Medicare Advantage plan is continuing for 2027, you review its changes and it still meets your needs, you may decide to keep it.

At Acuity Health Advisors, we don’t believe in changing someone’s Medicare plan just because another Annual Enrollment Period has arrived.

Sometimes our recommendation after reviewing a client’s coverage is very simple:

“Your current plan still looks good. Let’s leave it alone.”

So before asking “What other plans are available?”, start with a better question:

“Does my current plan still work for me?”

Here are some of the biggest things to consider.

1. Did Your Medicare Advantage Plan Change for 2027?

Medicare Advantage plans can change from one year to the next.

Your plan should send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) explaining changes to your coverage for the upcoming year. Medicare recommends reviewing this notice so you understand what’s changing.

Don’t just glance at the premium.

Look for changes involving:

• Monthly premium
• Medical deductible, if applicable
• Primary care copays
• Specialist copays
• Hospital costs
• Outpatient services
• Maximum out-of-pocket limit
• Prescription drug coverage
• Pharmacy network
• Additional benefits

Then determine whether those changes actually affect you.

A $5 change in a service you never use may not matter much.

A significant change to a medication you take every month could matter a great deal.

2. Are Your Doctors Still in Network?

For many Murfreesboro Medicare beneficiaries, this is one of the first things worth checking.

Medicare Advantage plans may use provider networks. The rules vary by plan type; HMOs generally have more restrictive network requirements, while PPOs typically provide some coverage for out-of-network providers at a higher cost.

If keeping your current doctors is important, check:

• Your primary care physician
• Specialists
• Hospitals
• Outpatient facilities
• Other healthcare providers you regularly use

And remember that Murfreesboro residents don’t necessarily receive all of their healthcare in Murfreesboro.

You may have a primary care physician here in Rutherford County but see a cardiologist, oncologist, neurologist or other specialist in Nashville or another Middle Tennessee community.

Those providers matter too.

Don’t assume that because a physician accepted your Medicare Advantage plan in 2026, nothing will change for 2027.

Verify the providers that are important to you before changing plans.

3. Did Your Prescriptions Change?

Sometimes the Medicare Advantage plan isn’t what changed.

Your medications did.

Maybe you started a new medication this year.

Maybe your doctor changed the dosage.

Maybe you’re now taking a brand-name medication that is expensive.

Or perhaps your plan’s drug coverage is changing for 2027.

Medicare drug plans use formularies, which are lists of covered medications. Plans can also place medications on different tiers and use coverage rules such as prior authorization, step therapy or quantity limits.

Before deciding whether to keep or change your Medicare Advantage plan, make an updated medication list that includes:

• Medication name
• Dosage
• Frequency
• Brand or generic
• Preferred pharmacy

Then compare how your current 2027 coverage handles those prescriptions with the other options you’re considering.

Don’t Choose Based on Premium Alone

A plan with a very low—or even $0—monthly premium isn’t automatically the least expensive option for you.

Prescription costs can make a significant difference.

That’s why we prefer looking at the whole picture.

4. Is Your Pharmacy Still a Good Fit?

Here’s one that’s easy to overlook.

Your pharmacy can affect your prescription costs.

Medicare explains that some drug plans have preferred in-network pharmacies, where beneficiaries may pay less than at other pharmacies within the network.

So don’t simply ask:

“Does my plan cover my pharmacy?”

Also consider:

“Is this pharmacy preferred under my plan?”

If you’re willing to use another pharmacy in Murfreesboro, it may be worth comparing estimated prescription costs there as well.

5. Did Your Copays or Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit Change?

Monthly premium gets most of the attention in Medicare advertising.

But it’s only one piece of your potential healthcare costs.

When reviewing your Medicare Advantage coverage, pay attention to what you may pay when you actually use healthcare.

That includes things like:

Specialist visits — especially important if you regularly see several specialists.

Hospital stays — review how inpatient hospital costs are structured.

Outpatient procedures — consider surgery, testing and other outpatient services.

Diagnostic imaging — MRIs, CT scans and similar services can have their own cost-sharing.

Maximum out-of-pocket limit — Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered Part A and Part B services. Once you reach the plan’s limit, you pay nothing for covered Part A and Part B services for the remainder of the year.

Don’t just ask:

“What’s my monthly premium?”

Ask:

“What could this plan cost me if I actually need healthcare?”

6. Have Your Healthcare Needs Changed?

Your plan may be almost identical for 2027, but your life may not be.

Think about what’s happened over the past year.

Have you:

• Been diagnosed with a new condition?
• Started seeing a specialist?
• Added several medications?
• Had surgery?
• Begun receiving ongoing treatment?
• Started traveling more frequently?
• Changed doctors?
• Moved?

Those changes can affect what you need from Medicare coverage.

A plan that fit your healthcare beautifully three years ago doesn’t automatically remain the best fit today.

7. Are You Being Distracted by Extra Benefits?

This is where I’d encourage a little caution.

Medicare Advantage advertisements often emphasize additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, allowances and other extras.

Those benefits can absolutely have value.

But we’d generally recommend making sure the plan handles your core healthcare needs first.

Before focusing on extras, ask:

Are my doctors in network?

Are my medications covered appropriately?

What are my healthcare copays?

What’s my maximum out-of-pocket exposure?

Does this plan work with the healthcare I actually use?

Once you’ve answered those questions, then compare additional benefits that matter to you.

A flashy extra benefit isn’t much consolation if the plan doesn’t work well with your doctors or prescriptions.

8. Are You Changing Plans Just Because Someone Else Loves Theirs?

Your neighbor loves their Medicare Advantage plan.

Your sister says hers is fantastic.

Your friend at church says you’re crazy not to have theirs.

Should you switch?

Maybe—but not because they told you to.

Medicare Advantage plans have service areas, and availability can vary by location. More importantly, two people living on the same street can have completely different healthcare needs.

Your friend may take no prescriptions.

You may take eight.

Your neighbor may care primarily about a particular extra benefit.

You may care about keeping a specialist in Nashville.

There isn’t one Medicare Advantage plan that’s best for everyone.

The right question isn’t:

“Which plan does everyone else like?”

It’s:

“Which coverage makes sense for me?”

Good Reasons to Consider Changing Your Medicare Advantage Plan

There are situations where comparing other coverage makes sense.

For example:

Your important doctors are no longer participating.

Your prescription costs have increased significantly.

Your plan’s medical costs have changed in ways that matter to you.

Your healthcare needs have changed.

Another option you qualify for better fits your doctors, medications, budget and preferences.

Your current plan is leaving your area or otherwise won’t be available to you next year.

None of these automatically means another plan will be better.

They simply mean it’s worth taking a closer look.

Good Reasons to KEEP Your Medicare Advantage Plan

This side of the conversation doesn’t get nearly as much attention.

You may have very good reasons to stay exactly where you are.

Perhaps:

• Your doctors are still participating.
• Your medications work well with the plan.
• Your healthcare costs are reasonable for your needs.
• You’re happy with your benefits.
• You’re comfortable with the plan.
• The 2027 changes don’t significantly affect you.

If that’s the case, don’t feel pressured to change simply because it’s Annual Enrollment.

New doesn’t automatically mean better.

Sometimes keeping a plan that continues to work well for you is the simplest—and smartest—choice.

Can I Switch From One Medicare Advantage Plan to Another During Annual Enrollment?

Generally, yes.

During Medicare Annual Enrollment, which runs October 15 through December 7, beneficiaries can make several types of changes, including switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or changing between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, subject to Medicare’s rules. Changes generally become effective January 1.

However, there’s an important wrinkle if you’re thinking about leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and purchasing a Medicare Supplement policy.

Be Careful When Moving From Medicare Advantage to Medigap

Medicare Supplement insurance—also called Medigap—works differently from Medicare Advantage.

Depending on your circumstances, you may not have a guaranteed right to purchase every Medigap policy simply because it’s Annual Enrollment.

Outside certain guaranteed-issue situations, an insurance company may be permitted to use medical underwriting when you apply for Medigap.

Don’t cancel Medicare Advantage coverage assuming you can automatically get the Medicare Supplement policy you want.

If you’re considering a move from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare with Medigap, understand your eligibility and Medigap options before making changes.

How Can a Local Medicare Agent Help?

A Medicare agent can help you compare the insurance plans they represent, review your doctors and prescriptions, explain differences between options and assist with enrollment if you decide to make a change, all at no cost to you.

And if you prefer working with someone nearby, you can choose a local Murfreesboro Medicare agent.

Need Help Deciding Whether to Change Your Medicare Advantage Plan?

Acuity Health Advisors is a locally owned, independent Medicare and health insurance agency located right here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

We help Medicare beneficiaries throughout Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Eagleville, Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee review their coverage.

When we review your Medicare Advantage options, we’re interested in much more than which plan has the longest list of benefits.

We consider things such as:

• Your doctors and specialists
• Your prescriptions
• Your preferred pharmacies
• Your healthcare usage
• Your budget
• Your priorities

And if your current Medicare Advantage plan still looks like a good fit for 2027?

We’re happy to tell you to keep it.

Our goal is to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Have Questions About Your Medicare Advantage Plan for 2027?

If you live in Murfreesboro or Rutherford County and aren’t sure whether you should keep or change your Medicare Advantage coverage for 2027, let’s review it together.

📞 Call Acuity Health Advisors at 615-919-1009

Talk with a local Murfreesboro Medicare advisor about your current coverage and the options we represent.

There is no additional cost to you for our help.

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 74 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.