Your Annual Enrollment Period game plan, October 15 to December 7

Every fall, Medicare plans update their premiums, copays, drug lists and networks for the coming year. The Annual Enrollment Period, from October 15 to December 7, is your chance to respond. Doing nothing is a choice too, and it is fine if your plan still fits. The trick is knowing for sure.

Late September: read your Annual Notice of Change

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you will receive an Annual Notice of Change by September 30. It lists exactly what is changing on January 1. It is long, so focus on four sections: premium, deductibles, drug coverage and network changes.

• Did the monthly premium go up?
• Did any of your drugs move to a higher tier or come off the formulary?
• Is your primary doctor or hospital still in network?
• Did the maximum out-of-pocket amount change?

October 1: plan details go live

Starting October 1, next year's plan details are available to compare, although enrollments cannot take effect until the period opens on October 15. This is the ideal time to book a review with us, before calendars fill up in November.

October 15 to December 7: compare and decide

During this window you can switch from one Advantage plan to another, move between Original Medicare and Advantage, and join, switch or drop a Part D plan. Your last enrollment before December 7 is the one that counts, and it takes effect January 1.

Enroll by early December and you have time for your new card to arrive before the holidays.

What you cannot change in this window

The Annual Enrollment Period does not guarantee you can buy or switch a Medigap plan without health questions. If you are thinking about moving from Advantage back to Original Medicare with a supplement, talk with us early so we can check underwriting before you drop your current plan.

January: make sure everything works

In the first week of January, check that your new card has arrived, give it to your pharmacy, and confirm your first refill prices match what you expected. If something is wrong, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 lets Advantage members make one more change.

• Bring your new card to your pharmacy before your first refill.
• Update your card on file with your doctors' offices.
• Set up premium payments if your plan bills you directly.

Our office is open seven days a week from October 15 to December 7. Book early, bring your drug list, and we will do the comparison with you.

This guide is general education, not individual advice. Figures are samples and can change each year. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.