Every year, Medicare gives you a special opportunity to review your healthcare coverage and make changes that better fit your needs. This window is called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and it runs from October 15 through December 7.
During this time, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, drop, or switch your Part D prescription drug plan
These decisions can have a big impact on your healthcare and your wallet—so it’s important to take a closer look each year.
Why Review Your Plan Each Year?
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither do Medicare plans. Here are a few reasons why an annual review is so valuable:
1. Your prescriptions may have changed
New medications, brand vs. generic switches, or changes in your dosage could affect your out-of-pocket costs.
2. Your doctors and hospitals may not always stay in-network
Networks shift from year to year. Verifying that your trusted providers are still covered helps avoid unexpected bills.
3. Plan benefits evolve
Extra perks like dental, vision, hearing, transportation, fitness programs, and over-the-counter allowances can vary widely. You may find new benefits that better fit your lifestyle.
4. Costs can shift
Premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums may go up or down. Comparing plans helps ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.
What’s Changing This Year?
Each fall, insurance companies update their Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. While the details vary depending on where you live, here are some common changes you may see:
- Plans leaving the area: Occasionally, certain plans will no longer be offered in a county or region. If you’re enrolled in one of these, you’ll need to choose a new plan for next year.
- Fewer extra benefits: Some plans may scale back benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or fitness memberships. Reviewing these changes ensures you don’t lose access to something you value.
- Drug coverage adjustments: Formularies (the list of covered medications) often change. A medication that’s covered this year may move to a higher cost tier—or drop off altogether—next year.
- Cost changes: Monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays may increase or decrease depending on the plan.
Because of these yearly shifts, what was a “best fit” for you last year may not be the most affordable or beneficial option this year.
How to Prepare for AEP
Before October 15, gather the following:
- A current list of your prescriptions (including dosages)
- The names of your doctors, specialists, and preferred pharmacies
- Your most recent plan documents (including your Annual Notice of Change, which outlines updates to your plan for the upcoming year)
With this information in hand, reviewing your options becomes much easier—and ensures you can make an informed decision.
Service Doesn’t Stop After AEP
While the Annual Enrollment Period gets a lot of attention, Medicare planning is not just about one season of the year. My commitment to my clients is year-round.
- Help when life changes: If you move, retire, lose other coverage, or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, I guide you through the transition.
- Support with your plan: I’m available to answer questions about benefits, billing, prior authorizations, and more—not just during enrollment.
- Education and events: I host community workshops, Medicare Table Talk sessions, and one-on-one reviews to keep you informed and confident in your coverage.
- Advocacy when challenges arise: If a claim gets denied or a bill doesn’t look right, I help clients understand their options and resolve issues.
My goal is to build relationships, not transactions. That means you have someone local, reliable, and available whenever you need guidance—not just once a year.
