Medicare Annual Enrollment: What Should I Review Before October 15?

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. If you already have Medicare coverage, this is an opportunity to review your current coverage and see whether it still fits your healthcare needs for the coming year.

You don't have to wait until October 15 to start preparing. Getting a few things organized ahead of time can make your review much easier.

1. Review Your Current Coverage

Start with the coverage you have now. Think about what worked well this year and whether there were any costs, coverage limitations, or other issues that surprised you.

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan, review the information your plan sends about changes for the upcoming year. Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) can help you understand what may be different in 2027.

2. Update Your Prescription List

Make a current list of your medications, including the medication name, dosage and how often you take it.

Prescription coverage and costs can vary between plans and may change from year to year, so having an accurate medication list is an important part of reviewing your options.

3. Make a List of Your Doctors

Write down your primary care doctor, specialists and other healthcare providers you regularly see.

If you're considering Medicare Advantage coverage, provider networks are an important part of the comparison. Don't assume that because a doctor participates in your plan this year, they will necessarily participate next year.

4. Don’t Forget Your Pharmacy

The pharmacy you use can affect what you pay for your prescriptions. When reviewing your coverage, make sure you include your preferred local pharmacy and any mail-order pharmacy you use.

A pharmacy that works well with your current coverage may not necessarily offer the same costs with another plan, so this is worth checking as part of your review.

5. Look Beyond Extra Benefits

Dental, vision, hearing and other additional benefits may be important to you, but they are only part of the picture.

Also consider premiums, copays, prescription coverage, provider access and potential out-of-pocket costs. The goal is to look at your healthcare needs as a whole rather than choosing coverage based on one attractive benefit.

6. Write Down Your Questions

Medicare can be complicated, and it’s easy to forget a question once you sit down to review your coverage.

Keep a running list as questions come up. Understanding your choices is more important than rushing through a decision.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Annual Enrollment doesn’t mean you automatically need to change your Medicare coverage. It gives you an opportunity to review what you have, understand what’s changing and determine whether your current coverage continues to meet your needs.

Gathering your medications, providers, pharmacy information and questions ahead of time can make that process much easier.

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7.

If you live in Putnam County or a surrounding Florida community and have questions about Medicare, I’m happy to help you understand your options.