Your yearly Medicare review, without the overwhelm

Start with the notice, not the advertisement

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans send an Annual Notice of Change in September explaining changes taking effect in January. Mark changes that affect your care. If the notice is missing, contact your plan.

Build a picture of your year

Write down your doctors, preferred hospital, prescriptions, pharmacy, and travel plans. Add what worked well this year and what was frustrating. That keeps the conversation focused on your life.

Compare the whole cost

Look beyond premiums to deductibles, visit costs, drug costs, and applicable out of pocket limits. Confirm provider participation and drug coverage for the coming year. A familiar company name does not establish that the exact plan still fits.

Know which window applies

October 15 to December 7 is the annual window for Medicare Advantage and drug coverage changes, generally effective January 1. It does not create an annual guaranteed right to buy Medigap. Other enrollment periods have different rules.

Keep a record of the decision

Save the exact plan name, plan year, important confirmations, and effective dates. If you stay, keep the materials that helped you decide. If you change, verify enrollment before assuming new coverage has begun.

Go straight to the source

• Annual Notice of Change
• Medicare Open Enrollment

Sources checked September 28, 2026. General education, not a coverage determination or medical advice. Plan terms, eligibility, and state rules can vary. How we approach education