Local & Community
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15: What to Know for 2027
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period is approaching, giving beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for 2027.
The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Changes made during that period generally take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Medicare says beneficiaries can join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plans, or switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.
Amanda Weigel of UnitedHealthcare Medicare explained that consumers should look at how they used their coverage during the current year and whether their priorities will continue to be met under their plan for 2027.
Among the areas to review are doctors and other providers, prescription medications and the benefits that matter most to an individual or family.
HMO and PPO plans are two types of Medicare Advantage plans, but they operate differently.
A Health Maintenance Organization, or HMO, generally requires members to receive care through the plan’s network, except in certain circumstances such as emergencies and out-of-area urgent care. Many HMOs also require members to choose a primary care provider.
A Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO, also has a network, but generally allows members to receive covered services from out-of-network providers, usually at a higher cost. PPO plans generally do not require members to choose a primary care doctor or obtain a referral to see a specialist.
Medicare notes that premiums, deductibles, copayments, provider networks and other costs vary by individual plan, so beneficiaries should compare the specific plans available in their area rather than relying solely on the plan type.
Weigel recommended MedicareMadeClear.com as a resource for Medicare education, plan-shopping tools and information about finding a local agent.
Separately, a new Gallup-Pivotal Women’s Health Survey is highlighting challenges some women report when seeking medical care.
The survey found 34% of U.S. women said a health care provider had minimized or dismissed their symptoms at some point during the previous five years. Overall, 51% of women reported at least one negative health care experience measured in the survey, compared with 39% of men. The survey included 3,845 women and 1,296 men and was conducted July 14-22, 2026.
Gallup also found that 42% of women said their health had kept them from doing everything they wanted to do in life, compared with 35% of men.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 18, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Election Day is TOMORROW! But, there’s still plenty of time to cast your vote. NBC Palm Spring’s @maria_nvtv is telling you the top 3 things you need to know. #ElectionDay #Vote2026 #CaliforniaPolitics #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Do you actually know what you’re voting for? 👀🗳️ #therogginreport #election2026 #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🗳️ ELECTION NIGHT UPDATES – NBC PALM SPRINGS Stay with NBC Palm Springs throughout Election Night for the latest results, breaking developments, and election updates! You can follow our coverage across all of our platforms: 📱 Instagram – Follow our page for updates throughout the night. 👍 Facebook – Find the latest election news and results on our Facebook page. 🌐 NBCPalmSprings.com – Watch our live coverage in the viewer right on the front page of our website. ▶️ YouTube – Join us in the LIVE section of our YouTube page. Wherever you follow us, NBC Palm Springs has you covered on Election Night! Stay informed. Stay connected. Follow NBC Palm Springs. #ElectionNight #NBCPalmSprings #Election2026 #CoachellaValley #ElectionCoverage
Privacy. Security. Style. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard, secure your property, or add curb appeal, E&E Fence Co. is ready to help bring your vision to life. Call (951) 616-8553 to request an estimate! Beaumont, CA Follow us: @eandefenceco #EEFenceCo #FenceInstallation #BeaumontCA #InlandEmpire #HomeImprovement #PrivacyFence #FenceContractor
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh
🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!