Free Medicare Counseling Offered Across Central Florida as 2027 Changes Approach

Choosing among Medicare plans, drug coverage and yearly updates can be daunting, and changes arriving in 2027 could affect what beneficiaries pay and which doctors they can see. A free counseling event at the Astatula Community Center on Monday, Oct. 26, aimed to help residents sort through those choices without being pushed toward any particular insurer.

The event was part of SHINE, which stands for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. Run through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and regional aging agencies, the program uses specially trained volunteers to offer free, unbiased and confidential counseling. It serves people new to Medicare, longtime enrollees checking their current coverage, and those trying to understand how Medicare and Medicaid work together.

Natalie Champagne, who has received Medicare and Medicaid benefits for about three years and has battled cancer, said finding a doctor was a struggle after she broke her wrist. "It took about three weeks before I could even find a doctor that accepted my insurance that would do surgery," she said. Michael Owens, who has had both programs for more than a decade, said newcomers face a steep learning curve. "There's a lot you gotta learn and understand," he said.

One of the biggest changes involves Part D prescription drug coverage. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the annual out-of-pocket limit will rise by $300. After reaching that limit, a beneficiary generally owes nothing more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year, though the cap does not include monthly premiums or all medical expenses. The $700 deductible is the maximum allowed for Part D plans in 2027, and some plans charge less or none. These are national figures, not Central Florida prices.

Some protections remain. Part D cost-sharing for covered insulin is generally limited to $35 for a month's supply, and recommended adult vaccines covered under Part D carry no cost-sharing. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets eligible people spread out-of-pocket drug costs over monthly payments, which does not lower the total owed but can ease the timing.

CMS projects the national average monthly Medicare Advantage premium will fall from $14.37 in 2026 to $12 in 2027. Average stand-alone Part D premiums are expected to rise by less than $1, from $35.09 to about $36. The agency's figures are projections, and premiums, networks, covered drugs and copayments can differ widely by location and plan.

Open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026. During that window, eligible beneficiaries can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change drug plans or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, with changes generally taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Those happy with their coverage need not switch, but should read their Annual Notice of Change.

More SHINE sessions are scheduled through Nov. 9. In Seminole County, the Altamonte Springs City Library at 281 Maitland Ave. will host counseling on Friday, Oct. 30, and Friday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments can be arranged at 407-514-1818, and the library can be reached at 407-571-8830. Sessions are also listed in Lake, Sumter, Brevard, Orange, Polk, Osceola and Volusia counties. Residents can call SHINE Lake and Sumter at 352-692-5209, and should confirm details before traveling because schedules can change.

Those who cannot attend in person can register for SHINE's virtual classes, including one on using Medicare.gov and the Medicare Plan Finder. Counselors suggest bringing Medicare and plan cards, the Annual Notice of Change, a list of medications with dosages, the names of preferred doctors and pharmacies, and any financial details needed to ask about assistance such as Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs. People with both Medicare and Medicaid should tell the counselor, since that can affect costs and options.