Federal Policy
Medicare Open Enrollment Opens With Higher Costs, GLP-1 Coverage Shifts
Medicare's annual open enrollment period has begun, giving beneficiaries until early December to review 2027 plan options amid several cost changes. Seniors face higher deductibles next year, along with new considerations around coverage and pricing for GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs. The changes affect Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees who must compare plans to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. While this story centers on traditional Medicare rather than Medicaid, dual-eligible beneficiaries and state Medicaid programs that coordinate benefits with Medicare should monitor how these cost shifts affect dual-eligible populations.
Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies and plans serving dual-eligible beneficiaries need to track Medicare cost and formulary changes since they directly affect wrap-around benefit costs and coordination of benefits obligations.