Medicare
Seven Medicare open enrollment mistakes, and how to avoid them
Most open enrollment mistakes come from assuming nothing changed. Plans change their costs, drug lists and networks every year, and a plan that was right last year may not be right now.
The seven
- Not reading the Annual Notice of Change your plan sends each fall.
- Not re-checking each prescription against next year's drug list.
- Assuming your doctors are still in the network.
- Choosing only on the monthly premium and ignoring the deductible, copays and yearly limit.
- Waiting until the last day, December 7, to start.
- Switching to a plan because of a mailer, without checking it against your doctors and medicines.
- Dropping coverage, such as retiree or spouse's coverage, before knowing how it works with Medicare.
What to do instead
Pull out your current plan's notice, list your doctors and medicines, and compare at least a couple of plans for your county. If you want company for it, a call takes the guesswork out.
Have this ready when you call
- Your Annual Notice of Change
- Your medicine list
- Your doctors' names
- Your plan card
Common questions
What if I miss December 7?
Most people then have to wait for the next open enrollment, unless they qualify for a special enrollment period. People already in a Medicare Advantage plan get one change between January 1 and March 31.
Can I make changes twice during open enrollment?
Yes. The last plan you choose before December 7 is the one that starts on January 1.
Related answers
Rather talk it through?
Call 855-367-1095 and a licensed agent will go through your situation with you. There is no charge to ask, and no obligation to enroll.
- Licensed insurance help
- No guaranteed eligibility, pricing, or availability
- Educational starting point
GetFastRates.com is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Calling connects you with licensed insurance help. Plan availability, costs, benefits, and enrollment rules can vary by state, carrier, and individual situation.