Two dates matter for U.S. retirees this week: Wednesday, October 14, when the September inflation report is scheduled and the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is expected to be announced, and Thursday, October 15, when Medicare Open Enrollment begins. The COLA had not been announced as of October 11, 2026; Medicare’s enrollment window runs through December 7.
Wednesday, October 14: September CPI and the expected 2027 Social Security COLA announcement
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has scheduled its September 2026 Consumer Price Index (CPI) release for 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on October 14. The CPI report measures changes in consumer prices and is relevant to the annual Social Security COLA calculation. BLS’s October 2026 release calendar lists the release date and time.
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Reporting available on October 11 expected the Social Security Administration (SSA) to announce the 2027 COLA after the CPI data release. That timing was an expectation, not a confirmed SSA announcement schedule. As of October 11, SSA had not published the 2027 percentage. Check the SSA COLA page for the official figure rather than treating an estimate or the CPI release itself as confirmation.
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For context only, SSA announced a 2.8% COLA in 2025 for benefits payable in 2026. That is the prior-year adjustment, not the 2027 increase.
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Thursday, October 15: Medicare Open Enrollment starts
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 7 each year. Medicare.gov describes it as the annual period when beneficiaries can make changes to coverage. For this cycle, timely changes are generally effective January 1, 2027, if the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7. See Medicare’s Open Enrollment guidance.
Changes you can make during the window
- Join, leave, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan.
- If you have Original Medicare, change or enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Switching to Original Medicare may mean you need to enroll separately in a Part D plan for prescription coverage. You may also want a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, but the right to buy one without certain underwriting restrictions can depend on when and where you enroll. Medicare explains the available changes in its plan-enrollment information; check your state’s Medigap rules and your own enrollment rights before changing coverage.
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How to compare plans for your needs
October 15 is the opening of the decision period, not a requirement to make a change that day. Review your plan’s annual materials and compare options for your county using Medicare Plan Compare, the official Medicare plan-finding tool. Check:
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- Whether your medications are covered and their formulary tiers.
- Whether your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are in the plan’s network.
- Benefits, coverage rules, and restrictions that matter to your care.
Plan availability and details vary by location, and the most suitable option depends on your medications, providers, budget, and health needs. If you decide to change, submit the request early enough for the plan to receive it by December 7.
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