How to Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can review your coverage and make changes to your Medicare health or prescription drug plan.

If you don’t make changes during Open Enrollment, you’ll usually keep your current coverage until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment opportunity.

Not sure where to start? This guide explains the key dates, what you can change, how to review your current plan, and where to find Medicare enrollment help if you need it.

When is Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment takes place every year from October 15 through December 7. You may also hear it called the Annual Election Period (AEP). Any changes you make during this enrollment window take effect on January 1 of the following year. This is your annual opportunity to review your Medicare coverage and make changes to your health or prescription drug plan without needing a qualifying life event.

If you’re thinking about changing plans, don’t wait until the last minute. Mark the enrollment period on your calendar and give yourself time to compare your options, review your current coverage, and make an informed decision.

What You Can Change During Open Enrollment

During Medicare Open Enrollment, you have several options to update your coverage based on your current health needs and budget.

You can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A and Part B into one plan and often include Part D prescription drug coverage. Many plans also offer extra benefits like dental, vision, or hearing coverage.
• Return to Original Medicare. If your Medicare Advantage plan no longer meets your needs, you can switch back to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment.
• Change Medicare Advantage plans. If another plan offers better coverage, lower costs, or a broader provider network, you can make the switch.
• Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan. If you have Original Medicare and don’t currently have prescription drug coverage, you can sign up during Open Enrollment.
• Switch Part D plans. If your medications have changed or your current plan’s costs have increased, you can choose a different prescription drug plan.
• Drop your Part D coverage. If your situation has changed, you also have the option to leave your current prescription drug plan.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to keep the same coverage year after year. Medicare Open Enrollment gives you the chance to review your options and choose the plan that works best for your current needs.

How to Review Your Annual Notice of Change

Your Medicare plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by late September. This document explains any changes to your coverage, costs, and provider network for the coming year. When your ANOC arrives, take a few minutes to review these key details:

• Premium changes. Check whether your monthly premium is increasing, decreasing, or staying the same.
• Deductibles and copays. Review any changes to what you’ll pay out of pocket for doctor visits, hospital care, or prescriptions.
• Formulary updates. The formulary is the list of prescription drugs your plan covers. Make sure your medications are still covered and check whether they’ve moved to a different cost tier.
• Provider network changes. Confirm that your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies are still in your plan’s network.

Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s worth reviewing your ANOC every year. Small changes can affect your costs, your coverage, or the providers you can use.

Tip:

Set your ANOC aside when it arrives instead of tossing it with the rest of the mail. Spending a few minutes reviewing it now can help you avoid unexpected costs or coverage surprises later.

How to Gather Your Health and Prescription Information

Getting organized before Medicare Open Enrollment can make it much easier to compare plans. A few minutes of preparation now can save time and help you choose coverage that fits your needs.

Before you compare plans, gather:

• A list of your prescriptions. Include each medication, the dosage, and how often you take it. This will help you confirm that your prescriptions are covered and estimate your out-of-pocket costs.
• Your healthcare providers. Make a list of your primary care doctor, specialists, preferred hospitals, and clinics. You’ll also want to confirm that your preferred pharmacy is included in the plan’s network.
• Your expected healthcare needs. Think about any upcoming surgeries, treatments, specialist visits, or new prescriptions you may need in the coming year. Planning ahead can help you choose coverage that better matches your healthcare needs.

Having this information ready makes it easier to compare Medicare plans with confidence and avoid surprises after your new coverage begins.

How to Compare Medicare Plan Options

The Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov is the official tool for comparing Medicare plans. You can enter your prescriptions, preferred doctors, and pharmacy to see which plans best match your healthcare needs.

As you compare plans, don’t focus only on the monthly premium. A lower premium may come with higher out-of-pocket costs or a smaller provider network. Here are a few key factors to review:

It’s also helpful to understand the differences between your coverage options. Original Medicare gives you the flexibility to see any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits and may have lower out-of-pocket costs, but they typically require you to use providers within the plan’s network. The right choice depends on your healthcare needs, your budget, and how you prefer to receive care.

Tip:

Even if you’re planning to keep your current plan, enter your prescription list into the Medicare Plan Finder each year. Drug formularies can change, and reviewing your medications now may help you avoid unexpected costs later.

Where to Get Help with Medicare Enrollment

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your Medicare options, you’re not alone. Free Medicare enrollment help is available, and you don’t have to make these decisions on your own.

Here are a few trusted resources:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Medicare’s official helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Representatives can answer questions about coverage, enrollment, and plan options. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Every state offers free, one-on-one Medicare counseling through SHIP. Trained counselors can help you understand your options and compare plans based on your needs.
• A local licensed insurance agent. If you’d like personal guidance, a licensed agent can help you compare Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans available in your area and explain how they differ.

Starting early gives you more time to review your options, ask questions, and make a decision that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Common Medicare Enrollment Mistakes to Avoid

A little preparation can go a long way during Medicare Open Enrollment. Watch for these common mistakes as you compare your options:

• Assuming your current plan hasn’t changed. Medicare plans can change from year to year. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see if your costs, covered medications, or provider network will be different next year.
• Skipping the drug formulary. Before choosing a plan, make sure your prescriptions are still covered and check what they’ll cost. A medication that was covered this year may be placed in a different pricing tier next year.
• Waiting until the last minute. Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7. Starting early gives you more time to compare plans, ask questions, and submit your enrollment before the deadline.
• Focusing only on the monthly premium. A lower premium doesn’t always mean lower healthcare costs. Compare deductibles, copays, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and out-of-pocket maximums to get a complete picture.

Taking a few extra minutes to review your options each year can help you choose coverage that better fits your health needs and budget.

Get Ready Before Medicare Open Enrollment Begins

Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking a little time to review your current coverage, gather your health information, and compare your options can help you feel more confident when it’s time to enroll.

Looking for personalized guidance? The Forward Insurance team can help you compare Medicare coverage options, answer your questions, and explain how different plans may fit your healthcare needs and budget.

Next Steps

• Watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Review any updates to your costs, covered medications, and provider network before Medicare Open Enrollment begins.
• Gather your health information. Make a list of your prescriptions, doctors, preferred pharmacy, and any expected healthcare needs so you’re ready to compare plans.
• Compare your options before December 7. Use the Medicare Plan Finder or another trusted resource to review available plans and choose the coverage that best fits your needs for the coming year.