The annual Medicare coverage review can feel like a stack of unfamiliar terms. Start with the official timeline, then work through your own needs before comparing advertisements.
Put the dates on your calendar
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1 of the following year. Your available choices depend on your current coverage.
Gather the information you use every day
Set aside your current plan documents, a list of prescriptions, and the names of the clinicians and pharmacies you use. Write down the parts of your current experience you want to keep and the questions you want answered. This gives a conversation about plans a practical starting point.
Compare coverage, not just the headline
Use Medicare.gov to compare available plans and confirm details with the plan itself. If you are considering moving from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, review prescription coverage and Medigap eligibility before deciding. Medigap has separate enrollment restrictions; do not assume it is automatically available.
Finish with a record
Keep a copy of any enrollment confirmation and record the effective date. This article is a general orientation, not a recommendation for a particular plan. Use Medicare’s official guidance for your circumstances.
