Before you keep your plan another year, check what changes January 1.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their premiums, covered drugs and networks every year. Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change spells it out, and Annual Enrollment is your window to act on it. I will go through it with you.
- Your prescriptions, checked against next year’s plansDrug lists and costs can change from one year to the next.
- Your doctors, checked against networksIf you have Medicare Advantage, make sure the doctors you see are still in network.
- A straight answer if your plan still fitsIf what you have is still right for you, I will tell you that.
Mike Webb, Owensboro born and raised, with more than 16 years in the insurance industry. Licensed in Kentucky, NPN 17036463.
Annual Enrollment, step by step
- By September 30
Your Annual Notice of Change arrives
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans send it to members. It lists what changes on January 1.
- October 15
Annual Enrollment opens
You can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
- December 7
Last day to make changes
Changes made by this date take effect January 1.
- January 1 to March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
People in a Medicare Advantage plan get one chance to switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
Before you call
Do I need to do anything if I have a Medicare Supplement?
Your Supplement does not change during Annual Enrollment, but your Part D drug plan can, so checking your drug plan each fall is still worth it. If you want to change Supplement companies, Kentucky’s birthday rule is usually the better window.
Does a review cost anything?
No. There is no cost for a review and no obligation to change plans.
Can you help with every Medicare plan?
I can help with plans offered by the companies I represent, and I will tell you which those are. For information on all of your options, you can also contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or Kentucky’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program.