Medicare Annual Enrollment: Why Reviewing Your Plan Every Year Matters
Is your Medicare plan still the right fit for you?
If you’re enrolled in Medicare, fall is an important time to take a fresh look at your coverage. Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, and changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.
Even if you’ve been happy with your plan, it’s worth reviewing your coverage before deciding to simply renew it for another year.
Why Should You Review Your Medicare Plan?
Your healthcare needs and your plan’s benefits can change from year to year.
You may have:
Started taking a new prescription medication
Changed doctors or specialists
Begun seeing a different healthcare provider
Experienced changes in your healthcare needs
Noticed changes in your plan’s premiums, deductibles, copays, or other costs
Found that a different plan may better fit your current situation
Medicare itself recommends reviewing your current coverage and comparing available options before Open Enrollment.
Don't Choose a Plan Based on Premium Alone
A plan with a low monthly premium may look attractive, but there are other costs to consider.
When reviewing your options, look at the total picture, including:
✓ Monthly premiums
✓ Deductibles
✓ Copays and coinsurance
✓ Prescription drug costs
✓ Provider networks
✓ Hospital and specialist coverage
✓ Maximum out-of-pocket costs
The costs you pay can vary depending on the plan and the healthcare services you use.
Check Your Prescription Coverage
Your medications are an important part of your Medicare review.
Make a current list of all your prescriptions, including dosages, and check whether your medications are covered by the plan you're considering.
Also look at the pharmacy you normally use. A plan that works well for someone else may not necessarily be the best choice for you.
Make Sure Your Doctors Are Covered
Do you have a favorite primary care physician? Do you regularly see a specialist?
If so, provider participation should be one of the things you check when comparing Medicare Advantage plans.
Your healthcare providers are an important part of your coverage decision. Don't wait until after you've enrolled to discover that your preferred doctor or medical facility isn't part of the plan's network.
What Can You Change During Open Enrollment?
During Medicare Open Enrollment, eligible beneficiaries can make several types of changes, including switching Medicare Advantage plans, changing Medicare prescription drug plans, switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or adding or dropping prescription drug coverage depending on their situation.
If you decide to make a change, your enrollment request generally needs to be received by December 7 for coverage beginning January 1.
Don't Wait Until December
One of the best things you can do is start your review early.
Beginning October 1, 2026, Medicare recommends reviewing your current coverage and comparing it with options for 2027 before Open Enrollment begins.
That gives you time to gather your medication list, review your current plan, check your providers, compare your options, and ask questions.
Medicare Doesn't Have to Be Confusing
There is no one Medicare plan that is right for everyone. Your healthcare needs, prescriptions, doctors, budget, and personal preferences all matter.
As an independent Medicare insurance broker, I’m here to help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your coverage.
If you have questions about your Medicare plan for 2027, let's talk.
I offer personalized, no-obligation Medicare consultations to help you review your options and find coverage that fits your needs.
Don't wait until December. Let's make Medicare simpler—together.
Tina Beck Insurance Group
971-217-4958
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