Medicare Open Enrollment is underway through Dec. 7, 2026. Coverage changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and Nebraska SHIP offers free appointments in Omaha, Lincoln and other communities.
By Hola Nebraska
Published Oct. 9, 2026. Updated Oct. 20, 2026.
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway in Nebraska, giving people who already have Medicare until Dec. 7, 2026, to review or change their health and prescription drug coverage for 2027.
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period began Oct. 15. Coverage changes made during the enrollment window take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Free, confidential and unbiased counseling is available through Nebraska SHIP & SMP, with appointments scheduled at locations across the state.
Medicare Open Enrollment remains open through Dec. 7
Medicare health and prescription drug plans can change their premiums, covered medications, provider networks and other benefits each year.
During Open Enrollment, people with Medicare can:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
- Join, switch or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan, depending on their existing coverage.
People who are satisfied with their current coverage generally do not need to make a change if their plan will continue to be offered in 2027 and still meets their needs.
Medicare’s Plan Compare tool displays 2027 plans by ZIP code, including health and prescription drug coverage available in each area.
Nebraska SHIP offers free Medicare counseling statewide
Nebraska SHIP & SMP works with certified counselors and partner organizations across the state to provide individual Medicare assistance.
The program does not sell insurance or endorse any insurance company, policy or agent. Counselors help explain coverage options, compare plans and identify possible Medicare fraud, errors or abuse.
The statewide Nebraska SHIP & SMP hotline is 1-800-234-7119.
The Nebraska Department of Insurance events calendar includes counseling appointments in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Bellevue, Fremont, Nebraska City and other communities.
Oct. 22–23 — Free Medicare appointments in Omaha
Volunteers Assisting Seniors, a Nebraska SHIP partner in Omaha, is providing Medicare Open Enrollment counseling at locations throughout the city.
The next two appointments are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at Florence Community Center and Friday, Oct. 23, at Core Bank. Both sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| Date | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 22 | Florence Community Center | 2920 Bondesson St. |
| Oct. 23 | Core Bank | 17807 Burke St. |
| Oct. 27 | Immanuel Village | 6803 N. 68th Plaza |
| Oct. 28 | Immanuel: Pacific Springs | 805 S. 173rd Plaza |
| Oct. 29 | Nebraska Cancer Specialists | 17201 Wright St. |
| Nov. 3 | UNMC Engage Wellness Medical Fitness Center | 730 S. 38th Ave. |
| Nov. 4 | Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center | 3505 L St. |
| Nov. 5 | New Cassel Retirement Center | 900 N. 90th St. |
| Nov. 9 | Northwest Hills Church | 9334 Fort St. |
| Nov. 17 | Walnut Hill Commons | 1330 N. 40th St. |
| Dec. 1 | Park Ave Commons | 1340 Park Ave. |
| Dec. 2 | Digital Express | 5730 Fort St., Building 10 |
Most Omaha sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., but some have shorter afternoon hours. For example, the Nov. 3 session at UNMC Engage Wellness and the Nov. 5 session at New Cassel Retirement Center are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m.
Omaha appointments: Volunteers Assisting Seniors, 402-444-6617.
The Nebraska Department of Insurance confirms the upcoming sessions at Florence Community Center on Oct. 22 and Core Bank on Oct. 23.
Oct. 22–23 — Lincoln appointments continue at two locations
Nebraska SHIP & SMP also has Medicare Open Enrollment appointments scheduled in Lincoln through Dec. 4, including sessions at SCC Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center, First Plymouth Church and Southwood Lutheran Church.
The next two dates are Oct. 22 at SCC Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center and Oct. 23 at First Plymouth Church, both from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
| Location | Address | Remaining 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwood Lutheran Church | 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd. | Oct. 29 and 30; Nov. 6, 9, 13 and 23; Dec. 4 |
| SCC Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center | 301 S. 68th St. Place | Oct. 22 and 27; Nov. 3, 5, 10, 17 and 19; Dec. 1 and 3 |
| First Plymouth Church | 2000 D St. | Oct. 23 and 26; Nov. 2, 16, 20 and 30 |
The Lincoln sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Lincoln appointments: 402-471-2841.
The Department of Insurance maintains individual event schedules for Southwood Lutheran Church, SCC Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center and First Plymouth Church.
Medicare’s 2027 plans are available to compare now
Medicare’s 2027 health and prescription drug plans are available through the Medicare Plan Compare tool.
The tool uses a ZIP code to identify available plans and allows prescription information to be included when comparing estimated costs. Differences in premiums, covered medications, pharmacies and provider networks may affect which coverage meets a person’s needs.
Nebraska SHIP counselors also provide individual assistance without selling or endorsing a particular insurance policy.
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period closes Monday, Dec. 7, 2026. Coverage changes submitted during this period take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
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