Open Enrollment Action Plan

Medicare’s Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7) is your annual opportunity to review and change your coverage. Our action plan will guide you through the process, ensuring you make the best decisions for your health and budget.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Save

Open Enrollment is the one time each year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage without qualifying events. Our action plan includes:

  • Timeline Checklist: What to do and when during the enrollment period
  • Coverage Review Worksheet: Evaluate your current plan’s performance
  • Comparison Tools: How to compare new plans for the upcoming year
  • Decision Framework: When to switch plans vs. when to stay put
  • Enrollment Instructions: Step-by-step guide to making changes

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Open Enrollment Action Plan

Your step-by-step guide to Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7)

⏰ Important Dates

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes you make during this period take effect January 1 of the following year.

Your 7-Week Action Plan

1

Week 1 (October 15-21): Review Your Current Coverage

Start by understanding what you currently have:

  • Review your current Medicare plan documents
  • Check the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) you received in September
  • Make a list of your current doctors and specialists
  • List all your current prescription medications and dosages
  • Review your healthcare usage from the past year
2

Week 2 (October 22-28): Assess Your Needs

Determine what you need for the coming year:

  • Are you satisfied with your current coverage?
  • Have your healthcare needs changed?
  • Are your doctors still in network?
  • Are your prescriptions still covered?
  • Have your costs increased significantly?
3

Week 3 (October 29 – November 4): Research Your Options

Explore available plans in your area:

  • Use Medicare.gov Plan Finder to compare plans
  • Check if your doctors accept the plans you’re considering
  • Verify your prescriptions are covered on each plan’s formulary
  • Compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums
  • Review plan star ratings for quality
4

Week 4 (November 5-11): Compare Total Costs

Calculate the true cost of each option:

  • Add up monthly premiums for the full year
  • Estimate prescription drug costs
  • Factor in expected doctor visits and copays
  • Consider deductibles and coinsurance
  • Calculate worst-case scenario (maximum out-of-pocket)
5

Week 5 (November 12-18): Get Expert Advice

Consult with professionals before deciding:

  • Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – free counseling
  • Speak with a licensed insurance agent
  • Ask your doctor’s office about plan acceptance
  • Contact plan providers directly with specific questions
  • Discuss with family members who help with your healthcare
6

Week 6 (November 19-25): Make Your Decision

Choose the best plan for your needs:

  • Narrow down to your top 2-3 choices
  • Do a final comparison of benefits and costs
  • Make sure you understand what’s changing
  • Confirm enrollment deadlines and effective dates
  • Gather all necessary documents for enrollment
7

Week 7 (November 26 – December 7): Enroll

Complete your enrollment before the deadline:

  • Enroll online, by phone, or through an agent
  • Keep confirmation numbers and enrollment documents
  • Verify your new coverage will start January 1
  • If keeping current plan, confirm auto-renewal
  • Mark your calendar for when new ID cards should arrive

Important Reminders

Don’t wait until the last minute! While Open Enrollment runs through December 7, plan websites can be slow or crash as the deadline approaches. Aim to make your decision by Thanksgiving.

You can change your mind: You can switch plans multiple times during Open Enrollment. Your last choice before December 7 is the one that counts.

No coverage gap: If you switch plans, your new coverage starts January 1 with no gap in coverage.

Get help if you need it: SHIP counselors provide free, unbiased help. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to find your local SHIP office.

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