Medicare AEP 2027 in California — what to know.
Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2026. The Annual Enrollment Period is your once-a-year chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Plans you choose during AEP take effect January 1, 2027.
Why this AEP matters in California
California has roughly 6.4M Medicare beneficiaries, of whom about 57% are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. AEP is when their plans can change — and when you can change yours.
2027 plan changes in California
Kaiser Permanente continues to dominate Northern California Medicare Advantage. SCAN Health Plan (a senior-focused nonprofit) is expanding in San Diego and Orange County. Alignment Health is growing across Southern California with technology-forward MA plans. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield split the Blue plan market — Blue Shield in Northern California, Anthem in Southern.
Your AEP 2027 checklist for California
Your current plan mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in late September. It lists every benefit, copay, network, and drug change for 2027. Don't recycle it — read it.
Networks change every year. Confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists are still in-network for 2027 — directly with the plan, not just on the website.
Formularies (covered drug lists) change annually. A drug that was Tier 2 in 2026 may move to Tier 4 in 2027 — tripling your copay. Run your meds through the plan's 2027 formulary.
Don't just renew. Compare your current plan against at least 2 alternatives — including Original Medicare + Medigap if you've never considered it. Best plan in 2026 is rarely best in 2027.
The Part D out-of-pocket cap stays at $2,000 in 2027. If you take expensive drugs, that cap dramatically changes the math — many people who couldn't afford Eliquis or Jardiance in past years now can.
After Dec 7 you generally can't change your Medicare Advantage plan until next AEP — except for the limited Open Enrollment window (Jan 1 - Mar 31) which only allows one change.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in California
Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Humana, SCAN Health Plan, Alignment.
California's Birthday Rule lets you switch Medigap plans every year on your birthday without medical underwriting — a major advantage if you're considering Medigap.
California metros we serve
We're licensed in all 50 states. Top CA markets:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
California is the only state where Kaiser is a serious Medicare Advantage option for most beneficiaries. If you love Kaiser doctors, that decision is essentially made — we help everyone else navigate the rest.
Free 14-minute California plan comparison.
A licensed CA advisor compares your current plan against every CA alternative — including Original Medicare with Medigap. No cost. No pressure. No commission to you.
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