Calling Tulsa seniors: Here’s what’s changing with your 2027 Medicare and Social Security benefits

When Medicare enrollment season comes around, Donna and Gary Kline head to LIFE Senior Services for free assistance. Without it, Donna Kline says they would lose out and not know what coverage to go with. The deductibles always seem to be going up, she added. 

“It’s truly a huge benefit to the retirement community in the Tulsa area,” Gary Kline said.

Once you enter your 60s, federal programs you’ve been paying into your whole working life — like Medicare and Social Security — start seeing returns. Both are getting raises in 2027. Here’s what you need to know and where to go in Tulsa for help.

Social Security

Social Security retirement benefits are going up $75 per month as part of a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment in January 2027, according to the Social Security Administration. This year, you saw an average of about $56 more each month. 

For the most part, you can get Social Security retirement benefits at 62 years old after you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. 

You can apply for Social Security online at ssa.gov/apply, or you can visit the Tulsa office at 14002 E. 21st St., Suite 900, during the weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Medicare

You’ll have fewer options for Part C and stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans in Tulsa for 2027 enrollment. On top of that, what you pay for prescription drugs is getting more expensive.

What does each part of Medicare cover?

• Medicare Part A helps cover the cost of inpatient care at hospitals. 
• Medicare Part B helps cover the cost of outpatient care at doctors. 
• Medicare Part C, also known as the Advantage plan, combines Part A and Part B with added benefits like prescription drug coverage (Part D). There are 23 approved Medicare Advantage plans that also include drug coverage.
• Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

You’ll have to cover more out-of-pocket prescription drug costs because Part D deductibles are increasing from $615 to $700, and those cost maximums went up from $2,100 to $2,400. 

Kathy Jones, Medicare and tax assistance program manager at LIFE Senior Services, says not many people are changing their coverage but are paying more for the same plan.

“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. So that’s quite a jump from last year, it’s like a $50 jump from last year.”

A temporary subsidy that helped Tulsans on Medicare afford prescription drugs is going away. The average Part D premium was between $40 to $60 a month, but the Oklahoma Insurance Department said in August it could get around $10 more expensive on average.

Medicare plan providers may also make specific changes to premiums and other coverage details. You can compare plans using your Medicare.gov account. After entering your prescriptions and pharmacies, the system will sort them for you. 

If you can’t afford a premium increase, you might qualify for the state’s Extra Help program. It covers monthly Medicare Part D premium payments, or at least knocks the price down to just a few bucks, said Mike Rhoads, deputy commissioner at the Oklahoma Insurance Department. But Jones says a lot of people she meets with don’t qualify and find themselves “in between.”

You have until Dec. 7 to enroll in Medicare coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027. LIFE Senior Services offers free Medicare Part D services. Make an appointment by calling (918) 664-9000, ext. 1189.

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