Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older (and some younger individuals with certain disabilities). It helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more.
But here’s the thing: Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your plan, open enrollment may or may not require any action on your part.
When Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Every year from October 15 to December 7, you have the option to:
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Part C).
- Change Medicare Advantage plans.
- Enroll in or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Any changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
Do You Need to Do Anything?
Not everyone needs a review. Here’s the breakdown:
- If you have a Medicare Supplement plan:
No review needed. Your coverage stays the same. (You can change your supplement anytime during the year, since it’s based on medical underwriting guidelines…not open enrollment dates.)
- If you have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan:
Don’t automatically schedule a review. Instead, look at your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document outlines any changes to your premiums, deductibles, or the medications your plan covers.
If your ANOC shows updates that could affect you, that’s the time to call us. We’ll guide you through the steps to compare and, if needed, change your drug plan.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan:
Coverage can change year to year. The best next step is to call us first. We’ll help you decide whether a review makes sense for you.
Why This Matters
Even small changes in coverage can make a big difference in your healthcare costs. By checking your ANOC and knowing your options, you can avoid surprises and make sure your coverage fits your needs.
Bottom line:
- Supplement plan? Relax, no review needed.
- Drug plan? Check your Annual Notice of Change first. Call us if you see changes that matter to you, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Advantage plan? Call us first.
At Glidewell, we want to keep this simple and clear so you can head into the new year confident about your coverage. Ready to take the next step? Click HERE
