Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15 through December 7. This is your annual window to review your current Medicare coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. Any changes you make during this period will take effect on January 1.

During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or change your standalone Part D prescription drug plan.

We know the mailers and commercials start flooding your mailbox and TV screen long before October. It's overwhelming, and frankly, a lot of it is designed to confuse you. But you don't have to navigate this alone. We're on your side of the table, ready to walk you through every option without the high-pressure sales tactics.

It's important to understand that the Medicare Open Enrollment Period is primarily for Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. If you are on Original Medicare and have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, your coverage automatically renews as long as you pay your premium. You do not need to re-enroll in your Medigap plan during this time.

However, if you want to change your Medigap plan, you can apply at any time of the year, but you may be subject to medical underwriting unless you have a guaranteed issue right.

When reviewing your options during Open Enrollment, pay close attention to your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Your current plan will send this document in September, detailing any changes to your premiums, copays, and covered drugs for the next year. If your plan is dropping your doctor or increasing the cost of your medications, this is your chance to find a better fit.

Remember the core truth about Medicare: Medsup vs MA is a rigged comparison; the real choice is Traditional Medicare (A+B) vs Medicare Advantage. The supplement decision comes AFTER you choose Traditional Medicare - it's a component of the Traditional path, not an alternative to Advantage. Understand the two paths first, then decide.

Don't wait until December 6 to start looking at your options. The earlier you review your coverage, the more time you have to make an informed decision. Compare free, no obligation.