Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15 through December 7, and it’s an important time for anyone enrolled in Medicare. During this period, you can review your current health coverage, make changes, or choose a new plan. While the process may feel overwhelming at first, taking it step by step can help you find the coverage that best fits your health needs and budget.
Why Reviewing Plans Matters
It’s common to stick with the same Medicare plan year after year—but plans don’t stay the same. Insurance companies may change premiums, deductibles, copays, provider networks, or the list of covered medications. For example, a prescription you rely on may no longer be affordable, or your doctor could leave the plan’s network.
If you don’t review your plan carefully, you may face higher costs or fewer benefits in the coming year. Taking time to compare options ensures your plan still works for your unique situation—and those small differences can add up to hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars saved annually.
How to Get Ready
The best way to prepare is to get organized before Open Enrollment begins:
- List your medications (including dosage and frequency).
- Note your providers (doctors, specialists, and hospitals you see regularly).
- Review past usage (check your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits to see which services you used most and what you paid).
With this information, you can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov to compare plans side by side. The tool shows estimated annual costs, drug coverage details, and whether your doctors and pharmacies are in-network.
The Role of SHIP
If you’re unsure which plan to choose, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a tremendous resource. SHIP offers free, confidential, and unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Trained counselors walk you through plan comparisons, answer questions, and explain benefits in simple terms. Unlike insurance agents, SHIP counselors don’t sell plans—they focus only on what’s best for you.
SHIP can also connect you to programs that lower costs, such as Extra Help for prescription drugs or Medicare Savings Programs. At SeniorsPlus, all staff and volunteers providing Medicare counseling are SHIP-certified and trained by the State of Maine.
Take Steps for Peace of Mind
Medicare Open Enrollment isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about ensuring your healthcare meets your needs for the year ahead. By reviewing your options, getting organized, and using trusted resources like SHIP, you can move forward with confidence.
A little preparation now can bring peace of mind—and possibly real savings—in the year to come.
SeniorsPlus is your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provider. Our trained counselors are here to help you navigate Medicare Open Enrollment with free, unbiased guidance. To schedule an appointment, contact your local Area Agency on Aging—or, if you live in Androscoggin, Oxford, or Franklin counties, call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241.
Brandi Connor-Vargeson is the Medicare Supervisor at SeniorsPlus.
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