Your Guide to Medicare Annual Enrollment

A Simple Guide to Navigating Medicare Annual Enrollment

As fall approaches, it brings one of the most important periods of the year for older adults: Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, running every year from October 15 to December 7. This is the same window as Original Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, so during these seven weeks, you can review, adjust, or switch between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Original Medicare (Parts A and B) for the coming year.

Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare work differently. Medicare Advantage is a private insurance alternative that bundles hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage into one plan, while Original Medicare covers hospital and medical services separately, typically paired with a standalone Part D drug plan if you want drug coverage. Both paths have their own costs, provider networks, and rules, so it’s worth comparing them each year.

Important Changes to Watch Out For

Even if you like your current Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan, the plan you have today might change starting January 1. In late September, your plan provider will send an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Be sure to look for key shifts like:

Provider network changes: Doctors, specialists, and in-home care providers can join or drop out of your plan network each year.

Prescription updates: Drug tiers and copays shift annually. A medication covered at a low copay this year could move to a higher tier or require new prior authorizations.

Out-of-pocket maximums: Check if copays, deductibles, or annual out-of-pocket maximum limits are increasing.

How to Minimize Stress and Navigate AEP

Read your ANOC document: Start by reading the notice sent by your current carrier in September. If nothing major is changing and you are satisfied, your plan will renew automatically without taking action.
Make a care list: Write down your essential prescription medications, preferred doctors, and regular health services (in-home medical care, physical therapy, etc.) to ensure they remain covered under any plan you consider.
Use Medicare.gov early: Official plan data updates on October 1. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder tool to plug in your zip code and prescription list to compare options side by side before enrollment opens on October 15.
Know your backup window: If you make a choice during AEP but regret it once the new year starts, Medicare Advantage offers a second chance. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31, allowing you to make a one-time switch to another Advantage plan or Original Medicare plan.

Protecting Your Specialized Care Benefits

When reviewing your plan options, don’t forget to check for extra, value-added healthcare perks included with your coverage. For example, WellBe Senior Medical works with many Medicare Advantage plans to offer medical visits at home – including routine doctor visits, 24/7 support by phone, and coordinated care – at no added cost.

If you currently rely on WellBe for medical visits at home, keep in mind that switching to a non-partnered plan could mean losing access to your dedicated in-home care team. Be sure to verify that any of your preferred perks remain active in your 2027 plan so you can continue enjoying convenient and comfortable care all year long.

Questions About Your WellBe Coverage?

If you are a current WellBe patient and have questions about your Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage for the upcoming year, contact your WellBe team by clicking the button below.

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