Reliance Medicare Advisors aims to simplify the Medicare Advantage shopping and plan-comparison experience for the 2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs through December 7, 2026.

Medicare Advantage plans can change significantly from one year to the next, including their costs, benefits, provider networks and prescription drug coverage. Yet data from a recent open enrollment period found nearly 7 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries (69%) did not compare their coverage options due to the complicated experience, potentially missing a plan that may better fit their health needs, preferred doctors, medications and budget.

Reliance Medicare Advisors is making that comparison easier for 2027. Older adults can find and compare plan options in the way that works best for them, whether online, by phone with a licensed sales agent, or in person at approximately 1,700 Walmart stores and 140 Sam’s Club locations nationwide, with the ability to move between channels to ensure help is always within reach. The experience can begin with only a ZIP code and is more personalized as they add their doctors, pharmacies and prescriptions. Older adults can compare plans to their current Medicare Advantage coverage or to Original Medicare.

“Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can be confusing. We want to simplify that process and help older adults feel confident their plan decision fits their health needs, prescriptions, preferred providers and budget,” said Jessica Rivkin, Vice President Reliance Medicare Advisors. “Building trust with customers is deeply important to us, so plan recommendations are guided by an individual’s needs, not a single insurer, and there is no pressure to enroll.”

Reliance Medicare Advisors also offers a Medicare learning hub with educational articles on Medicare definitions and what older adults need to know before enrolling. Based on insights from its licensed agents, the plan comparison tool makes it easier for consumers to navigate, and has additional features that will be available during AEP, including:

  • Multiple paths to begin shopping for plans, by comparing all plans available in a zip code or a guided comparison based on preferred doctors, prescriptions and pharmacies

  • A concise plan comparison summary designed to make the differences among plan options easier to understand

  • A mobile phone prescription bottle scanner to identify plan options that cover an older adult’s medications without needing to manually type in the drug name

  • The ability to save progress and resume shopping at a later time without needing to re-enter information

  • An expert review from a licensed agent to check older adults’ plan selections prior to completing enrollment.

Reliance also powers the direct-to-consumer Medicare shopping experience on Walmart.com, which launched October 1, 2026, providing another digital way to explore Medicare coverage options.

Individuals can learn more at www.reliancemedicareadvisors.com.

FAQ

What is Medicare Annual Enrollment?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is the once-a-year window when people eligible for Medicare can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan, with changes taking effect January 1.

When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for 2027 coverage?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Plan changes made during this period take effect January 1, 2027.

What is being announced?

Reliance Medicare Advisors has updated its Medicare Advantage plan comparison tools for the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period to help simplify the plan shopping experience, whether online, by phone or in person at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide.

What is Reliance Medicare Advisors?

Reliance Medicare Advisors is an independent Medicare insurance agency that helps older adults search, compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage plans online, by phone or in person. There’s never any pressure to enroll.

Are people required to enter their health needs to see plan options?

No, only a ZIP code is required to see plan options. However, a better plan match can be made if older adults enter information on their doctors, pharmacies, prescriptions and other preferences.

Can people meet with a licensed Medicare agent at Walmart or Sam’s Club?

Yes, at many locations. Licensed insurance agents are available in approximately 1,700 Walmart stores and 140 Sam’s Club locations nationwide this enrollment season, and more locations may be added. In-store agents may represent Reliance Medicare Advisors or local partner agencies.

How does the online comparison tool match people to a plan?

Reliance’s tool checks Medicare Advantage plans in the ZIP code entered against the needs entered and ranks them based on whether a person’s doctors and pharmacies are in network, lowest costs and other benefits. The tool was designed with input from licensed agents, ensuring there’s a human touch at every step of the process.

How does the tool decide on a “best match” if multiple plans meet an individual’s needs?

Reliance breaks ties using the lowest plan costs, lowest copays, lowest out-of-pocket costs, highest plan star ratings and highest Part B giveback amount (a reduction in a monthly Medicare Part B premium).

Does it cost anything to use Reliance Medicare Advisors?

No. Reliance’s service is available at no cost to consumers, regardless of which plan they choose.

Is Reliance Medicare Advisors part of Medicare or the government?

No. Reliance Medicare Advisors is an insurance agency with no government affiliation. Official Medicare information is available at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

About Reliance Medicare Advisors

Reliance Medicare Advisors is an independent Medicare insurance agency that helps consumers compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage plans online, by phone or in person at Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide. Its licensed agents help older adults and their caregivers easily find a plan that fits their doctors, prescriptions, medical needs and budget. For more information, visit reliancemedicareadvisors.com.

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