Medicare Open Enrollment is the annual opportunity for beneficiaries to give their Medicare plan a check-up. Plans change every year, and the enrollment period, which ends Dec. 7, is the one time individuals can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage. Failing to review options could mean missing out on significant savings or finding that preferred doctors and medications are no longer covered.
The importance of this window is underscored by a real-world example: a person with Medicare compared drug plans to find the best costs and coverage for their prescriptions, including a blood thinner and a common cholesterol medication. Using medicare.gov, they found the yearly cost for a Medicare drug plan and these prescriptions ranged from $1,356 to $2,965. By choosing the lowest-cost plan, they saved more than $1,600 while keeping their essential medications covered.
For all Open Enrollment needs, Medicare.gov is the official source. It allows users to explore and compare every available Medicare health and drug plan in their area. Those who prefer speaking with someone directly can call 1-800-MEDICARE to connect with experts available 24/7. To get started, beneficiaries can go to Medicare.gov and click on “Find Plans Now.” For the best shopping experience, users can log in or create a Medicare account to compare plan costs side by side based on the medications they take.
If the Dec. 7 deadline is missed, individuals may need to wait a full year before they can make any changes to their coverage. That makes getting started early important, as reviewing and comparing options takes time. Factors to consider include costs, benefits and prescription drug plans. Medicare Open Enrollment is also a critical time to plan for the future and prioritize health, ensuring a plan supports one’s wellness journey.
Stay vigilant against Medicare fraud, especially during Open Enrollment. Scammers take advantage of this time of year, pretending to be from Medicare or an insurance company to steal personal information. Medicare will never contact you unsolicited. If someone you do not know calls, texts or emails about Medicare, simply hang up or delete the message. Suspected fraud should be reported immediately at Medicare.gov/fraud or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Never give out your Medicare Number, Social Security Number or financial information to anyone you don’t know.
