Your Guide to the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
October 15th to December 7th
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your yearly opportunity to review your Medicare coverage and make changes to your plan. Let us help you navigate your options with confidence.
What Changes Can You Make During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
During this limited time, you can make key changes to your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. Your new coverage will start on January 1st.
Switch Plans
You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or vice versa.
Change Medicare Advantage Plans
You can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
Manage Prescription Drug Plans
You can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Review Your Current Plan
It’s wise to review your plan as benefits, networks, and costs can change annually.
Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Checklist
Prescription Drugs
Are all your medications on the plan’s list of covered drugs (formulary)? Check the costs for your specific drugs.
Doctors & Hospitals
Are your current doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals in the plan’s network?
Total Costs
Look beyond the monthly premium. Consider deductibles, copays, and the out-of-pocket maximum.
Extra Benefits
Does the plan include dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits that you will use?
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
Assuming Your Plan Hasn’t Changed
Plans can change their benefits, costs, and provider networks every year. Always review the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) your plan sends you each fall.
Focusing Only on the Premium
A low monthly premium might hide high deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Look at the total potential out-of-pocket costs for the year.
Ignoring Drug Coverage Details
Check your plan’s formulary to ensure your prescriptions are covered and see which “tier” they are in, as this affects your cost. Also, check for any coverage rules like prior authorization.
Missing the Deadline
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends promptly on December 7th. If you miss it, you may have to wait a full year to make changes unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Why Work With a Licensed Agent?
Expert Guidance
We are licensed professionals who understand the complexities of Medicare. We can help you compare plans and find the one that fits your needs and budget.
Personalized Service
You’re not just a number. We take the time to understand your unique health and financial situation to provide tailored recommendations.
No Cost to You
Our services are provided at no additional cost to you. We are compensated by the insurance carriers, so you get expert help without any fees.
Official Medicare Resources
Get information directly from the source. These official government websites provide the most accurate and up-to-date details about Medicare.
Medicare Plan Finder Tool
The official tool to search for and compare Medicare plans in your area.
“Medicare & You” Handbook
The official U.S. government Medicare handbook, updated yearly.
Medicare.gov
The official U.S. government site for Medicare.
Social Security Administration
For questions about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.