Question 1

Where can I find legal assistance for seniors?

Accepted Answer

The Older Americans Act funds legal assistance through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), helping seniors access public benefits, address housing issues such as eviction or foreclosure, combat elder abuse and financial exploitation including consumer fraud, and navigate estate planning. Find your nearest AAA through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or call (800) 677-1116.

Question 2

How can I find local support groups, classes, or meal delivery services?

Accepted Answer

Use connect2affect.org and enter basic information and what you are looking for, such as classes, support groups, meals, or food delivery, to find local resources that may help.

Question 3

How can I get help with meals?

Accepted Answer

Visit Meals on Wheels at mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals and enter your ZIP code to find local organizations that can help. You can also use Feeding America at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank to locate a food bank.

Question 4

Where can I access free virtual meditation sessions?

Accepted Answer

UCLA Health offers free virtual meditation sessions through its Mindful Awareness Research Center. The drop-in sessions are guided by experienced instructors and are suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Visit uclahealth.org/uclamindful/free-drop-ins for schedules and participation details.

Question 5

Where can I find exercise and physical activity resources for older adults?

Accepted Answer

The National Institute on Aging provides exercise and physical activity information at nia.nih.gov/health/topics/exercise-and-physical-activity, with articles that can help you find exercises suited to your needs.

Question 6

When is the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Accepted Answer

The 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. During this period, you can review and change your Medicare health and drug coverage for 2027. Changes generally take effect January 1, 2027.

Question 7

What changes can I make during the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Accepted Answer

During the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. If you have a standalone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, you can also change your drug coverage. Changes generally take effect January 1, 2027.

Question 8

How long is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?

Accepted Answer

The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window when you first become eligible for Medicare. It starts 3 months before your eligibility month and ends 3 months after your eligibility month.

Question 9

When is the 2027 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?

Accepted Answer

The 2027 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1, 2027 through March 31, 2027.

Question 10

What can I do during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Accepted Answer

During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Question 11

When is the 2027 Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)?

Accepted Answer

The 2027 General Enrollment Period runs from January 1, 2027 through March 31, 2027. If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B during this period.

Question 12

When does Medicare coverage begin if I enroll during the General Enrollment Period?

Accepted Answer

Coverage begins the month after enrollment during the General Enrollment Period.

Question 13

Can Medicare late enrollment penalties apply during the General Enrollment Period?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you must pay a premium for Part A, the penalty is an additional 10% of the monthly premium for twice the number of years you delayed enrollment. For Part B, the penalty is a 10% increase in the monthly premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll.

Question 14

What are Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)?

Accepted Answer

Special Enrollment Periods allow you to enroll in Medicare or make certain plan changes outside the regular enrollment periods when a qualifying life event or special situation applies. Examples include moving, losing current coverage, having an opportunity to get other coverage, or a plan changing its contract with Medicare.

Question 15

When is the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period for 2027?

Accepted Answer

The 5-Star Special Enrollment Period shown on this page runs from December 8, 2026 through November 30, 2027.

Question 16

What is the Medicare 5-Star Special Enrollment Period?

Accepted Answer

Medicare rates Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans annually. If a 5-Star plan is available where you live, you can make a one-time change to a five-star plan during the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period.

Question 17

What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Accepted Answer

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge allows eligible people with Medicare Part D to get certain GLP-1 medications for weight management. The program runs through December 31, 2027.

Question 18

How much do GLP-1 medications cost through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Accepted Answer

For eligible participants, the cost is a $50 copay for a monthly supply.

Question 19

Who is eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Accepted Answer

You must have Medicare Part D and meet the program's eligibility requirements.

Question 20

What medications are covered by the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Accepted Answer

The program covers certain GLP-1 medications for weight loss or maintaining weight reduction for eligible participants.

Question 21

Is prior authorization required for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prior authorization is required to confirm eligibility.

Question 22

How long has expanded Medicare telehealth access been extended?

Accepted Answer

Expanded Medicare telehealth access has been extended through December 31, 2027.

Question 23

Can I receive Medicare telehealth services from home through 2027?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many covered Medicare telehealth services can continue from your home through December 31, 2027.

Question 24

Do I have to live in a rural area to use Medicare telehealth through 2027?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. The expanded access allows many covered services to continue without the previous geographic and location restrictions.

Question 25

Does Medicare cover audio-only telehealth through 2027?

Accepted Answer

Certain Medicare services can continue through audio-only visits under the expanded telehealth provisions.

Question 26

Can physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy be provided through Medicare telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Eligible physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language services can continue through telehealth under the expanded provisions.

Question 27

Do Medicare Advantage plans have the same telehealth benefits as Original Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Advantage plans may have different telehealth benefits and requirements, so check your specific plan's coverage.

Question 28

What changes are coming to Medicare drug prices in 2027?

Accepted Answer

Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare-negotiated prices take effect for 15 additional high-cost Part D drugs. The lower negotiated prices could reduce what some beneficiaries pay.

Question 29

Which diabetes and weight-management drugs are included in the 2027 Medicare negotiated prices?

Accepted Answer

The page lists Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Tradjenta, and Janumet/Janumet XR.

Question 30

Which asthma and COPD drugs are included in the 2027 Medicare negotiated prices?

Accepted Answer

The page lists Trelegy Ellipta and Breo Ellipta.

Question 31

Which cancer drugs are included in the 2027 Medicare negotiated prices?

Accepted Answer

The page lists Xtandi, Pomalyst, Ibrance, and Calquence.

Question 32

What other drugs are included in the 2027 Medicare negotiated prices?

Accepted Answer

The page also lists Linzess and Xifaxan for digestive conditions, Ofev for lung disease, Otezla/Otezla XR for inflammatory conditions, and Austedo/Austedo XR and Vraylar for neurological and mental health conditions.

Question 33

Will everyone taking one of the 2027 negotiated-price drugs save the same amount?

Accepted Answer

No. What you actually save will depend on your Part D plan and its cost-sharing rules. Lower negotiated prices can reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially when you pay coinsurance.

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MEDICARE KEY DATES

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Oct 15, 2026 to Dec 7, 2026

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

7-month period:

Example:

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

Jan 1, 2027 to Mar 31, 2027

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Jan 1, 2027 to Mar 31, 2027

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

Sign-up period:

5-Star Special Enrollment Period

Dec 8, 2026 to Nov 30, 2027

GLP-1 Medications

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Continues Through 2027

Telehealth Services

Expanded Medicare Telehealth Continues Through 2027

Prescription Drug Costs

Lower Prices for 15 More Medicare Drugs in 2027