Author: John Serian

Here’s a habit that quietly saves Medicare beneficiaries money every year: a yearly plan review. It takes an afternoon, and it’s the difference between coverage that still fits and coverage that’s slowly drifted away from your needs. Here’s how to review your Medicare plan before AEP — and why it’s worth doing every single year.

Why Yearly? Because Everything Changes

The reason to review annually is simple: plans change, and so do you. Each year, your Medicare plan can adjust its premium, its drug formulary, its provider network, and its benefits. Meanwhile, your health, your medications, and your doctors may change too. A plan that was a perfect match last year can quietly become a poor fit — without you doing anything. The only way to catch that is to look.

Step 1: Read Your ANOC

Every fall, before AEP, your plan mails an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). It lays out exactly what’s changing for the coming year. This is your starting point. Don’t set it aside — it’s the single most useful document for deciding whether to keep or switch your plan.

Step 2: Check Your Medications

Drug coverage is where costs shift the most. Look at whether your prescriptions are still covered, and at what tier — a medication moving to a higher tier can raise your costs meaningfully. If you’ve started or stopped any medications this year, that alone can change which plan is best for you.

Step 3: Confirm Your Doctors and Pharmacies

Networks change. Verify that your doctors are still in-network and that your preferred pharmacy still offers the best pricing under your plan. Losing an in-network doctor or a preferred pharmacy is a common reason to switch.

Step 4: Add Up Your Real Costs

Look past the premium alone. Consider your total out-of-pocket picture — premium, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance based on how you actually use care. A plan with a low premium but high cost-sharing on your specific needs may cost more overall than a slightly pricier plan that covers you better.

Step 5: Compare Before You Decide

Once you know what’s changing, compare your plan against the alternatives available for next year. Sometimes the review confirms you should stay put — and that’s a perfectly good outcome. Other times it reveals a better fit. Either way, you’ve made an informed choice instead of defaulting into changes you didn’t pick.

Do It Before December 7

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7, and changes take effect January 1. Reviewing early in the fall — right after your ANOC arrives — gives you room to decide without racing the deadline.

Get a Free Second Opinion

A licensed independent agent can run this review with you, checking your drugs, doctors, and costs against other plans at no charge. Review your Medicare options or call Maher Insurance Group at (866) 220-2834. We’re a licensed independent brokerage in Fort Lauderdale with more than 1,199 five-star Google reviews.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We are a licensed insurance agency; a licensed agent may contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I review my Medicare plan every year?

Medicare plans change every year — premiums, drug formularies, provider networks, and benefits can all shift. Your own health and medications change too. Reviewing annually during AEP makes sure your plan still fits, so you’re not overpaying or stuck with coverage that no longer matches your needs. Even a plan that was perfect last year may not be this year.

What should I look at when reviewing my Medicare plan?

Focus on a few things: your premium and out-of-pocket costs, whether your medications are still covered and at what tier, whether your doctors and preferred pharmacies are still in-network, and any changes listed in your plan’s Annual Notice of Change. Comparing these against other available plans shows whether you should switch.

What is the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?

The ANOC is a document your Medicare plan mails each fall, before AEP, describing how your plan will change for the coming year. It covers changes to premiums, benefits, drug coverage, and costs. Reading it is the starting point for any plan review, because it tells you exactly what’s different heading into next year.

When is the best time to review my Medicare plan?

The ideal time is in the fall, once you receive your Annual Notice of Change and before Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period ends on December 7. Reviewing early in that window gives you time to compare options and make a change without rushing against the deadline.

Can someone help me review my Medicare plan for free?

Yes. A licensed independent agent can review your current plan, check that your medications and doctors are still covered, and compare it against alternatives — typically at no cost to you. Getting a second set of eyes before AEP ends can help you avoid overpaying or losing coverage you rely on.

Every fall, Medicare gives you one main chance to change your coverage — and it comes with a hard deadline. It’s called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and knowing the dates and what you can do is how you make it work for you instead of letting it slip by. Here’s your guide to Medicare AEP for 2026.

The Dates You Need: October 15 – December 7

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. Any changes you make during this window generally take effect January 1 of the following year. Mark December 7 on your calendar now — once it passes, your options for changing coverage become much more limited until the next AEP.

What You Can Change During AEP

AEP is flexible. During the window, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — or the other way around
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan

In short, it’s your yearly opportunity to make sure your coverage still matches your health, your doctors, your medications, and your budget.

The Trap: “I’ll Just Keep What I Have”

Here’s what surprises people. If you do nothing during AEP, your plan generally rolls over — but it may not be the same plan you signed up for. Plans can change their premiums, benefits, drug formularies, and provider networks from one year to the next. So “doing nothing” can still leave you with changes you never chose. Reviewing your plan matters even when you’re happy with it.

Start With Your ANOC Letter

Before AEP, your current plan mails you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that spells out what’s changing for the coming year. This is your single most useful document. Read it and ask: did my premium change? Are my medications still covered the same way? Are my doctors still in-network? The answers tell you whether it’s time to shop.

How to Prepare Before December 7

• Review your ANOC as soon as it arrives.
• List your current doctors and medications so you can check them against any plan.
• Compare your plan against alternatives — even a plan that was perfect last year may not be this year.
• Don’t wait until the deadline. Early December gets busy; give yourself time to decide.

Don’t Sort It Out Alone — Free Help

Comparing Medicare plans during AEP takes time and attention to detail, and a licensed independent agent can do it with you — checking your drugs, your doctors, and your costs before the deadline. Review your Medicare options or call Maher Insurance Group at (866) 220-2834. We’re a licensed independent brokerage in Fort Lauderdale with more than 1,199 five-star Google reviews.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We are a licensed insurance agency; a licensed agent may contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period in 2026?

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, including 2026. Any changes you make during this window generally take effect January 1 of the following year. It’s the main opportunity most people have to change their Medicare coverage each year.

What can I change during Medicare AEP?

During AEP you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, join or drop a Part D prescription drug plan, and switch between Part D plans. It’s your yearly chance to make sure your coverage still fits your needs and budget.

What happens if I do nothing during AEP?

If you take no action during AEP, your current coverage generally continues into the next year — but it may not be identical. Plans can change premiums, benefits, drug formularies, and networks year to year. That’s why reviewing your plan during AEP matters even if you’re happy: ‘doing nothing’ can still mean changes you didn’t choose.

Is AEP the same as Open Enrollment?

People use the terms loosely, but Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) is specific to Medicare coverage changes. The ACA Marketplace has its own separate Open Enrollment Period for under-65 health plans. There’s also a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in early each year with more limited change options.

How should I prepare for Medicare AEP?

Start by reviewing the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) your plan sends, which outlines what’s changing for next year. Make a list of your current doctors and medications, then compare your plan against alternatives to confirm it still fits. A licensed agent can do this comparison with you at no cost before the December 7 deadline.

Turning 65 and facing Medicare for the first time can feel like being handed a rulebook nobody explained. The good news: once you break it into steps, it’s very manageable. Here’s a first-timer’s checklist for aging into Medicare — what to do, when to do it, and the mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Know Your Enrollment Window

Most people become eligible for Medicare around age 65, with a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the three months before your 65th-birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. Enrolling during this window helps you avoid coverage gaps and potential lifelong late penalties. This is the single most important date to get right.

Step 2: Understand the Parts

Medicare comes in parts, and knowing them makes every later decision easier:

• Part A — hospital coverage (most people pay no premium)
• Part B — medical and outpatient coverage (monthly premium)
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) — an all-in-one alternative from private plans
• Part D — prescription drug coverage

You’ll also decide whether to add a Medigap policy alongside Original Medicare.

Step 3: Check Your Work Situation

Still working at 65 with coverage through a current employer? You may be able to delay Part B without penalty and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period. But the rules depend on your employer’s size and your specific situation, so confirm before you delay — guessing wrong here is a common and costly mistake.

Step 4: Make the Big Coverage Decision

The choice most first-timers wrestle with is:

• Medicare Advantage — bundles your coverage with a network and an annual out-of-pocket maximum, often with extra benefits
• Original Medicare + Medigap — broad access to any provider that accepts Medicare, with predictable cost-sharing

Neither is universally better. The right pick depends on your health, your budget, and whether keeping specific doctors matters to you.

Step 5: Don’t Forget Drug Coverage

Even if you don’t take many medications now, signing up for Part D (or an Advantage plan that includes drug coverage) on time helps you avoid a late-enrollment penalty later. Compare plans based on the specific drugs you take — costs vary widely.

Step 6: Get Help Before You Commit

These decisions have long-term consequences, and you don’t have to make them alone. A licensed independent agent can walk you through the options, check that your doctors and drugs are covered, and help you enroll on time — at no cost to you.

Ready to Start? We’ll Guide You — Free

Explore your Medicare options or call Maher Insurance Group at (866) 220-2834. We’re a licensed independent brokerage in Fort Lauderdale with more than 1,199 five-star Google reviews, and we’ll help you get it right the first time.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We are a licensed insurance agency; a licensed agent may contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I sign up for Medicare?

Most people first become eligible around age 65, with a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period that spans the three months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and the three months after. Signing up during this window helps you avoid gaps and potential late penalties. If you’re still working with employer coverage, different timing rules may apply.

What are the parts of Medicare?

Medicare has four parts: Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (medical/outpatient coverage), Part C (Medicare Advantage, an all-in-one alternative offered by private plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Most people also decide whether to add a Medigap policy alongside Original Medicare. Understanding the parts is the first step to choosing coverage.

What happens if I sign up for Medicare late?

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may face late enrollment penalties that can permanently increase your Part B and Part D premiums, plus possible coverage gaps. That’s why enrolling on time — or confirming your situation qualifies for delayed enrollment — is so important.

Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I’m still working at 65?

It depends on your employer coverage. If you have qualifying coverage through a current employer, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period. The rules vary by employer size and situation, so it’s worth confirming before you decide to delay.

Should I choose Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Medigap plan?

That’s one of the biggest first-time decisions. Medicare Advantage bundles coverage with a network and an out-of-pocket maximum; Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy offers broad provider access and predictable cost-sharing. The right choice depends on your health, budget, and doctors. A licensed agent can compare both at no cost.

One of the most common questions people have as they approach Medicare is simple: what does it actually cost? The honest answer is “it depends” — Medicare has several moving parts, and your total depends on which parts and plans you choose. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of Medicare costs in 2026 so you can see how the pieces fit together.

Medicare Isn’t One Bill — It’s Several Pieces

Understanding Medicare costs starts with knowing there are multiple components: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), often Part D (prescription drugs), and then either a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan. Each carries its own premiums and cost-sharing. Once you see them separately, the whole picture gets clearer.

Part A: Hospital Coverage

Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A because they or a spouse paid enough Medicare taxes while working. If you don’t have enough work history, a premium may apply. Part A also has a deductible that applies when you’re admitted to the hospital, plus coinsurance for longer stays. Exact figures are set each year.

Part B: Medical Coverage

Part B has a standard monthly premium set annually, and higher-income beneficiaries pay more through an income-related adjustment known as IRMAA. There’s also an annual Part B deductible, after which you typically pay a share (coinsurance) of covered services. These are the costs most people budget for month to month.

The Gap That Surprises People

Here’s the key thing many don’t realize: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) has no annual out-of-pocket maximum on its own. That means, by itself, there’s no ceiling on what your share of costs could add up to in a serious year. This is exactly why so many people add extra coverage.

Two Ways to Manage Out-of-Pocket Costs

• Medigap (Medicare Supplement): A policy that helps cover deductibles and coinsurance Original Medicare leaves to you, adding predictability. You pay a monthly premium for that protection.
• Medicare Advantage: An all-in-one alternative that bundles coverage and includes an annual out-of-pocket maximum, often with extra benefits, in exchange for using the plan’s network.

Which is the better value depends on your health, your budget, and the doctors you want to keep. There’s no single right answer — it’s about your situation.

Don’t Forget Part D

Prescription drug coverage (Part D) is its own premium and cost structure, whether you get it as a standalone plan or bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan. Because drug costs vary so much by plan and by the medications you take, comparing Part D options is worth doing carefully.

Get Your Real Numbers — Free

Published figures are set each year, and your actual costs depend on your income, your health, and the plan you choose. A licensed agent can walk through your Medicare options and estimate your real out-of-pocket picture at no cost. Call Maher Insurance Group at (866) 220-2834. We’re a licensed independent brokerage in Fort Lauderdale with more than 1,199 five-star Google reviews.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We are a licensed insurance agency; a licensed agent may contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main costs in Medicare?

Medicare has several cost pieces: Part A (hospital) premiums and deductibles, Part B (medical) premiums and deductibles, and cost-sharing like coinsurance and copays. Many people also pay for Part D drug coverage and either a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan. Your total depends on which parts and plans you choose.

Does everyone pay a premium for Medicare Part A?

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A because they or a spouse paid enough Medicare taxes while working. If you don’t have enough work history, you may pay a premium for Part A. Part A also has a deductible that applies when you’re admitted to the hospital.

What is the Medicare Part B premium?

Part B has a standard monthly premium set each year, and higher-income beneficiaries pay more through an income-related adjustment (IRMAA). Part B also has an annual deductible, after which you typically pay a share of covered services. Exact figures are set annually, so confirm the current year’s amounts.

How can I reduce my out-of-pocket Medicare costs?

Many people add a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy to help cover deductibles and coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves to you, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles coverage with an out-of-pocket maximum. The best approach depends on your health, budget, and preferred doctors. A licensed agent can compare options at no cost.

Does Original Medicare have an out-of-pocket maximum?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) by itself does not have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which is why many people add a Medigap policy or choose a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans include an annual out-of-pocket limit. Weighing that protection is an important part of choosing your coverage.