Some Tulsa-area Medicare beneficiaries face higher prescription coverage costs in 2027, with fewer plans to choose from and a Part D deductible jumping to $700 from $615.
The changes come as the Monday, Dec. 7 enrollment deadline approaches for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027. LIFE Senior Services, a Tulsa nonprofit, is offering free help comparing plans and enrolling.
The Tulsa Flyer reported that Tulsa enrollees will have fewer Part C and stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans available for 2027. There are 23 approved Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage. Out-of-pocket cost maximums also rose, from $2,100 to $2,400.
Kathy Jones, Medicare and tax assistance program manager at LIFE Senior Services, told the Tulsa Flyer that most people are not switching plans but are paying more for the same coverage.
"There are no longer any $0 plans as far as prescription drug plans go," Jones said. "Those premiums can be up to $208 this year."
A temporary subsidy that helped Medicare enrollees afford prescription drugs is expiring, according to the Tulsa Flyer. The average Part D premium had been between $40 and $60 a month. The Tulsa Flyer reported that the Oklahoma Insurance Department estimated in August that premiums could rise about $10 on average.
Those who cannot afford a premium increase may qualify for the state's Extra Help program, which covers or reduces monthly Part D payments. Mike Rhoads, deputy commissioner at the Oklahoma Insurance Department, told the Tulsa Flyer the program can knock costs down to a few dollars. But Jones said many people she counsels don't qualify and end up stuck in a gap.
Social Security bump
On the income side, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by an average of $75 per month in January 2027. The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, affecting nearly 72 million beneficiaries.
Free local help
Donna and Gary Kline, Tulsa-area retirees, head to LIFE Senior Services each enrollment season for free assistance. Without it, Donna Kline told the Tulsa Flyer, they would not know what coverage to choose.
"It's truly a huge benefit to the retirement community in the Tulsa area," Gary Kline said.
LIFE Senior Services offers free, personalized counseling to help beneficiaries compare and enroll in Part D plans. The nonprofit is not affiliated with any insurance company and operates as a contracted agency of the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Appointments can be made by calling (918) 664-9000, ext. 1189.
Enrollees can also compare plans at Medicare.gov by entering their prescriptions and pharmacies.
Coming up
Medicare open enrollment runs through Monday, Dec. 7. LIFE Senior Services' free Medicare counseling is available year-round at (918) 664-9000, ext. 1189.
