Open enrollment for Medicare coverage in 2027 is underway through Dec. 7, and Seminole County residents can get free help sorting through their 2027 options at the Altamonte Springs City Library.
The help comes from SHINE, short for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, a Florida Department of Elder Affairs program staffed by trained volunteers who give free, unbiased and confidential counseling.
Where and when in Seminole County
The library at 281 Maitland Ave. is the county's listed SHINE counseling site. Sessions are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, and Friday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., WKMG News 6 reported. Walk-ins are accepted, and appointments can be made by calling 407-514-1818; the library's main number is 407-571-8830.
SHINE's online Seminole schedule still showed last year's Friday calendar when checked Tuesday, so anyone hoping to go later in November or in early December should call to confirm dates.
The statewide SHINE line, 1-800-963-5337 (1-800-96-ELDER), can also arrange help. The program's regional liaison for Seminole County can be reached at 407-450-7234.
What is changing for 2027
Changes made during open enrollment take effect Jan. 1, and a plan must receive an enrollment request by Dec. 7, according to Medicare.
Two Part D prescription drug limits rise next year. The cap on out-of-pocket spending for covered drugs goes to $2,400, up from $2,100 in 2026, and no drug plan may set a deductible above $700, up from $615. Some plans have no deductible at all.
