Your Medicare Plan May Be Changing — Review Your Options Now

If you have Medicare, one of the most important things you can do each year is review your coverage — instead of assuming everything will stay the same.

As we prepare for 2027, this is especially important. Medicare plans can change from one year to the next, and in some cases, a plan may no longer be available in your area.

Your Current Plan May Not Be the Same Next Year

Even if you've been happy with your Medicare coverage, things can change.

Your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) explains what will be different starting in January. Medicare recommends reviewing this document carefully to determine whether your plan will continue to meet your needs.

Changes may involve:

• Premiums and other costs
• Copays and coinsurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Provider networks
• Pharmacies
• Benefits and coverage
• Plan availability in your area

Some Medicare plans may also leave the Medicare program entirely or stop being offered in certain service areas. If your plan is not being renewed, you should receive a notice explaining the change and your options going forward.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.

During this period, you can review your coverage and — depending on your situation — make changes such as:

• Switching Medicare Advantage plans
• Changing your prescription drug plan
• Changing how you receive your Medicare coverage

Changes made during Annual Enrollment generally take effect January 1.

Missing this window means waiting another year, which is why it pays to start reviewing early rather than scrambling at the deadline.

Your Healthcare Needs Can Change Too

It's not only the insurance plans that change. Your own needs may have shifted over the past year.

Maybe you:

• Started taking a new prescription
• Changed doctors or specialists
• Were diagnosed with a new medical condition
• Are using healthcare services more frequently
• Want different dental, vision, hearing, or other benefits
• Are concerned about your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses

A plan that worked well for you last year may not be the best fit for your needs this year. That's not a failure — it's just how healthcare works. The Annual Enrollment Period exists precisely so you can make adjustments when your situation changes.

What to Look at When You Review

When you sit down to review your coverage, here are the key areas to focus on:

Your medications. Check whether your current prescriptions are still covered under your plan's formulary, and at what tier. Drug coverage can change from year to year, and a medication that was affordable last year may cost significantly more in 2027.

Your doctors and specialists. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your preferred providers are still in-network. Network changes are common and can affect your costs significantly.

Your costs. Compare your current plan's premium, deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum against other available options. Sometimes a plan with a slightly higher premium offers much better overall value.

Your benefits. If you use dental, vision, hearing, or other supplemental benefits, verify that those benefits are continuing and review any changes to how they work.

Plan availability. If you've received a notice that your plan is leaving your area or ending, you'll need to actively choose a new plan before December 7.

This Is Your Medicare — Make Your Own Choice

I believe one of the most important parts of Medicare is understanding your choices.

Don't simply assume your current coverage will continue unchanged. Review the information your current plan sends you. Look at your medications, doctors, expected healthcare needs, costs, and available plan options.

Then you can make an informed decision about the coverage you want for the coming year.

That's what Annual Enrollment is for — and it only comes once a year.

I'm Here to Help You Review Your Options

At Insurance by Laura, my goal isn't to pressure you into choosing a particular plan. It's to help you understand your options so you can make the choice that works for you.

I can help you:

• Review your current Medicare coverage
• Look at your medications and providers
• Discuss your healthcare needs and priorities
• Compare available plan options in your area

There's no obligation, and no pressure. Just a straightforward conversation about what's available and what might make sense for your situation.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7

If you'd like to talk through your options before the deadline, reach out. I'm happy to help.

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Insurance by Laura is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, benefits, costs, provider networks, and formularies may vary by plan and service area.