Medicare AEP 2027 in New York — 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 New York
New York has roughly 3.7M Medicare beneficiaries, of whom about 52% are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. AEP is when their plans can change — and when you can change yours.
2027 plan changes in New York
Healthfirst continues to lead Medicare Advantage in NYC's five boroughs. Empire and EmblemHealth remain dominant in downstate New York. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield serves much of Upstate New York. New York is also one of two states (with Connecticut) with year-round guaranteed-issue Medigap — meaning no medical underwriting at any time.
Your AEP 2027 checklist for New York
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 New York
EmblemHealth, Humana, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Healthfirst.
New York's year-round guaranteed-issue Medigap rule is unique. You can switch Medigap plans any time without health questions — but premiums are higher than other states because of community rating.
New York metros we serve
We're licensed in all 50 states. Top NY markets:
- New York City
- Buffalo
- Rochester
- Yonkers
- Syracuse
- Albany
- New Rochelle
- Mount Vernon
- Schenectady
- Utica
Because New York has guaranteed-issue Medigap year-round, the AEP decision is mostly about Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Medigap can be revisited anytime.
Free 14-minute New York plan comparison.
A licensed NY advisor compares your current plan against every NY alternative — including Original Medicare with Medigap. No cost. No pressure. No commission to you.
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