Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Coming: Is Your Current Plan Still Right for You?
- Paul Youngkin
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Medicare plans can change from year to year — and so can your healthcare needs. That’s why the months leading up to Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) are a good time to take a fresh look at your current coverage.
As a licensed Florida insurance agent based in Ocala and specializing in Medicare plans, I help individuals throughout Ocala and all of Florida understand their Medicare coverage, review their options and make informed decisions for the year ahead.
What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place each year from October 15 through December 7.
During AEP, people with Medicare have an opportunity to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make certain changes for the coming year.
Depending on your current coverage, during AEP you may be able to:
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
Join, switch or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan
Changes made during AEP will take effect January 1 of the following year.
Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s a good idea to review your coverage each year. Plan costs, prescription drug coverage, provider networks and benefits can change. Your own healthcare needs may have changed, too.
Watch Your Mail for Your Annual Notice of Change
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for an important document from your current Medicare plan: your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).
Medicare plans send the Annual Notice of Change each fall, typically in September. Your ANOC explains changes to your current plan that will take effect in January, including changes to your coverage, costs and other plan details.
This is one piece of mail you don’t want to set aside without reading.
When your Annual Notice of Change arrives, take a few minutes to review it and consider:
Have my premiums, deductibles, copays or other costs changed?
Are my prescription medications still covered?
Have my prescription costs or coverage requirements changed?
Are my doctors and preferred healthcare providers still in my plan’s network?
Have any benefits I use changed?
Have my own healthcare needs changed over the past year?
If you’re unsure what something in your Annual Notice of Change means, I’m happy to review it with you and answer your questions.
Do I Need to Change My Medicare Plan During AEP?
Not necessarily.
Annual Enrollment gives you an opportunity to review your coverage and make changes if needed. It doesn’t mean you have to switch plans every year.
If your current plan continues to fit your healthcare needs and budget, staying with it may make sense. If your plan has changed — or your needs have changed — it may be worthwhile to explore the other options available to you.
The goal isn’t simply to change plans. It’s to make sure you understand your coverage and that it is a good fit for you.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until AEP to Call Me
While October 15 through December 7 is an important time for Medicare beneficiaries, as my client, you don’t have to wait until Annual Enrollment to reach out.
If you are inquiring, I look forward to speaking to you starting October 1 or whenever you have a special enrollment period like moving to the area, losing your coverage, turning 65, or several other scenarios. Questions? Call me any time for clarification.
I am always happy to review your coverage with you at any time of year and answer any questions you have.
If you receive something from your insurance provider that you don’t understand, have questions about your benefits, experience a change in your healthcare needs, or simply want a better understanding of your Medicare coverage, give me a call.
Sometimes a conversation is all it takes to make Medicare feel a little less complicated.
Paul Youngkin
Licensed Insurance Agent in the Sate of Florida
Broker Agent with Pinnacle Retirement Advisors
Specializing in Medicare Plans
Based in Ocala and Serving All of Florida
352-804-3031
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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