Annual Enrollment is open now, and it closes soon.
Every year, Medicare plans change what they cover and what they charge. If you never checked whether your plan still fits, you’re not alone. Most people stay on the same plan by default, simply because reviewing the alternatives feels like a hassle.
That default can be expensive. A plan that worked well last year might have moved your medication to a higher cost tier, dropped a doctor from its network, or raised your out-of-pocket maximum without you noticing.
Comparing plans during Annual Enrollment takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You’re not locked into anything by looking, and if your current plan really is still the best option, comparing confirms that instead of leaving it to chance.
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A lower premium plan can end up costing more overall if it has a higher deductible or narrower drug coverage. The number that matters most is your total expected cost for the year, not just the monthly bill.
Some plans also bundle in extras like dental, vision, or a fitness benefit. Those add real value if you’d use them, but they shouldn’t distract from checking the basics first: your doctors, your prescriptions, your hospital coverage.
Provider networks shift every year as hospitals and clinics renegotiate contracts with insurers. A doctor who was in network last year can quietly drop out for the new plan year, which you’d only find out at the appointment.
Most plan comparison tools let you search by provider name directly, so you can confirm before you enroll rather than after.
Part D formularies, the official list of covered drugs and their pricing tiers, get updated annually. A medication that cost you $10 last year could move to a higher tier and cost significantly more, even on the same plan.
If you take regular prescriptions, checking the updated formulary is one of the highest-value five minutes you can spend during this window.
During Annual Enrollment, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
Outside this window, changes are generally limited to specific qualifying situations, so this is the one predictable opportunity to make adjustments each year.
No. Comparing plans doesn't require you to change anything. Many people compare and decide their current plan is still the right fit, which is a completely valid outcome.
Comparing and enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan doesn't carry an application fee. Your premium going forward depends on the plan you choose.
Outside Annual Enrollment, you generally need a qualifying life event or special enrollment period to make changes, so it's worth reviewing your options while the window is open.
No. Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period is separate from the ACA marketplace open enrollment window, which applies to people under 65 without employer coverage.
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