Your Medicare Open Enrollment Guide: What You Need to Know

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, providing Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to review and change healthcare coverage. Since Medicare costs, benefits, and provider networks can shift annually, taking time during this period to evaluate options which could lead to better coverage or significant savings.

Understanding Your Medicare Options

Medicare offers two primary coverage paths. Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), with the option to add a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Alternatively, Medicare Advantage (Part C) provides an all-in-one solution through private insurance companies, typically bundling Parts A, B, and D together in a single plan.

During Open Enrollment, you have the flexibility to join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage Plans or prescription drug plans, or maintain your current coverage if it continues to meet your needs.

Getting Started: Your Three-Step Action Plan

• Step 1: Review Current Plan Communications

Start by carefully examining any materials from your existing plan, particularly the "Annual Notice of Change" letter. This document outlines how your costs and benefits may change for 2026, helping you understand what to expect if you stay with your current coverage.

• Step 2: Research Available Plans

Explore plans available in your area using Medicare.gov online or the "Medicare & You" handbook, where Kansas residents can find local options listed in the back. Look for plans that offer lower costs, cover your specific prescription medications, include your preferred doctors and pharmacies in their networks, or provide additional benefits that matter to you.

Medicare.gov's plan comparison tool is particularly valuable, allowing you to compare health and drug plans side by side, estimate total out-of-pocket costs, review quality ratings from current members, and receive customized information based on your preferred pharmacies and medications.

• Step 3: Make Your Decision

If your current plan continues into 2026 and meets your needs, no action is required. To enroll in a new plan, use the "Enroll" button on Medicare.gov, visit the plan's website directly, or call them.

Important Timeline to Remember

• October 1: Begin preparing by reviewing notices about next year's changes
• October 15: Open Enrollment officially begins
• December 7: Final day to make changes for next year
• January 1: New coverage takes effect

Getting Help When You Need It

Don't navigate this process alone. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for 24/7 assistance, including weekend support and multilingual services. Johnson County residents can also contact the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansans (SHICK) at 913-715-7000 or 913-715-8856 for free, personalized counseling from certified volunteers.

Beyond Open Enrollment

If you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage, remember that you have additional flexibility between January 1 and March 31 to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare with optional prescription drug coverage.

During this busy season, you'll likely receive numerous mailings from insurance companies. Remember that Medicare.gov, the "Medicare & You" handbook, and 1-800-MEDICARE remain your most reliable sources for unbiased Medicare information. Take advantage of this annual opportunity to ensure your Medicare coverage aligns with your healthcare needs and budget for the coming year.

Source: CMS Product No. 11220

by Joy Miller, Home and Family Agent, 2025