Tejal Somvanshi
Medicare open enrollment runs from 15 October to 7 December 2026. A new eHealth survey found that 48% of Medicare beneficiaries skipped or delayed medical care in the past year because of confusion over their coverage. Another 54% skipped or delayed care or prescriptions because of out-of-pocket costs. The survey covered more than 1,000 beneficiaries, was fielded in September 2026, and was released on 8 October 2026. The margin of error is plus or minus 3%. The survey was sponsored by eHealth, a private insurance marketplace.
The survey results make plan comparison more than an administrative task. A low headline premium does not by itself show what a beneficiary will pay for medicines, specialists or care under a particular plan. Drug tiers, deductibles, copays, provider networks and the Annual Notice of Change can all affect the real cost of coverage.
Before 7 December, log in to Medicare.gov. Check your prescriptions and doctors against your 2027 plan. Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, which lists coverage and cost changes. Check drug tiers, since a higher tier usually means a higher copay. Readers can also review Karmactive’s guidance on Medicare Advantage 2027 plan changes and Medicare payment eligibility.
Be wary of unexpected calls about Medicare coverage. The survey found that 58% of beneficiaries suspect they have been targeted by Medicare-related scams. Verify any caller before giving personal information.
