MEDICARE'S GUIDE TO YOUR YEARLY MEDICARE REVIEW

Michael T. Braden October 14, 2026 MEDICARE NEWS

It is time again for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. It is an important time for most Medicare Beneficiaries, especially for those who started Medicare within the past year. Once you have gone through it once, you'll feel more comfortable with the process and more confident about Medicare in general.

For this article, I wanted to share with you the contents of CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "Medicare's Yearly Medicare Review." This guide is always available on the Medicare.gov website or by using this link: http://www.medicare.gov/publications/11220-your-yearly-medicare-review.pdf

MEDICARE'S GUIDE TO YOUR YEARLY MEDICARE REVIEW

Picture of Braden Medicare Insurance's Medicare Yearly Medicare Review Poster

WHAT YOU CAN DO DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

During the AEP, Medicare beneficiaries should take time to open and read the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter they receive each September from their Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D Insurance carrier. Make notes for any changes that might impact your coverage for the new Medicare Plan year, which starts on January 1.

No law requires you to change Medicare plans every year, but you will if you receive notice that your current Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) will not be offered for the new plan year.

If your current Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan is available, it will automatically renew if you make no changes. But every Medicare beneficiary needs to know that just because their current plan is still available. Plans are not required to keep the same Drug Premiums, formularies, doctors, or benefits from one plan year to the next. That is why it's important to take time to review any changes outlined in your Annual Notice of Change Letter. You'll feel more comfortable and confident with Medicare each year you go through the process.

If you have Original Medicare, your coverage will continue as usual. If you have a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan, you don't need to do anything. Your plan continues month after month as long as you pay your premiums.

YOUR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT GUIDE

Open Enrollment is the time to review your Medicare health or drug coverage and decide if you want to make changes. Your Medicare costs, benefits, and providers can change each year.

Comparing your options could help you find better coverage or save money.

There are 2 main ways to get your Medicare:

1. Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). You can also join a separate Medicare drug plan for drug coverage (Part D).

2. Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare-approved plans from private companies that bundle together your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.

   
   

IF YOU HAVE A MEDIGAP/MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT POLICY

If you already have Medigap and join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might decide to drop Medigap. You may not be able to get the same Medigap policy back later, depending on your state’s Medigap enrollment rules and your situation.

READY TO START YOUR YEARLY MEDICARE REVIEW?

1. Review any information you get from your current plan, including the “Annual Notice of Change” letter, to learn how costs and benefits may change in 2027.

2. Visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare or check the most recent version of your "Medicare & You" handbook for a list of plans in your area. You may be able to find plans that:

•      Cost less

•      Cover your prescription drugs

•      Include the providers you want in their networks, like your doctor or your preferred pharmacy.

•      Offer extra benefits that matter to you

THINGS YOU CAN DO USING THE MEDICARE.GOV WEBSITE     

1. Compare Medicare plans side by side.

2. Get estimates of your total out-of-pocket costs.

3. Find quality and customer service ratings from current plan members.

4. Get customized coverage and cost information for your preferred pharmacies and any prescription drugs you take

5. Search for your doctors and other providers to find out whether they're in-network for the plans you're considering...

HOW YOU CAN JOIN OR SWITCH PLANS

•      Select "Enroll" for the plan you want to join on Medicare.gov/plan-compare.

•      Visit the plan's website or call them directly.

You can also ask for a paper form to fill out and mail back. The plan must receive your enrollment form by December 7.

OTHER RESOURCES IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME HELP COMPARING PLANS

•      Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. 

We're here to help 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know.

At Braden Medicare Insurance Services, we recommend that every Medicare beneficiary have a local, independent Medicare broker they can work with. If you have a broker, great. If you need help locating a broker, please feel free to reach out; we would be happy to assist you anytime.

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR MEDICARE?

Visit Medicare.gov/basics/costs/help to find out about programs that can help pay your Medicare premiums and other costs. Some of these programs include:

•      Extra Help: Helps people with limited income and resources to pay for Medicare Part D Prescription Drugs. Please visit www.ssa.gov/extrahelp to apply.

•      Medicare Savings Programs: Covers Part A and/or Part B premiums and other costs for people with limited income and resources.

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IMPORTANT MEDICARE DATES EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

START PREPARING FOR AEP

1. Review any notices from your current plan about changes to costs and benefits for the next year. Then, you can find and compare plans that meet your needs at Medicare.gov/ plan-compare. You may be able to save money or get extra benefits.

   
   
   
   

THE MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD BEGINS OCTOBER 15

You can make changes to your health and drug coverage for the next year. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, or switch to Original Medicare.

THE MEDICARE AEP ENDS ON DECEMBER 7

In most cases, this is the last day you can change your Medicare coverage for next year.

A health or drug plan must get your enrollment form by December 7.

THE NEW MEDICARE YEAR STARTS ON JANUARY 1

If you switch to a new health or drug plan, your new coverage starts January.

CAN I STILL MAKE CHANGES AFTER JANUARY 1?

If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you'll have from January 1 to March 31 to change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage, or switch to Original Medicare with the option to join a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. 

Any changes you make from January 1 - March 30 will take effect on the first of the month after your new plan receives your enrollment form.

REMEMBER THAT AS A MEDICARE BENEFICIARY

You have the right to get Medicare information in an accessible format, like large print, braille, or audio. You also have the right to file a complaint if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. Visit Medicare.gov/about-us/accessibility-nondiscrimination-notice, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

This product was produced at U.S. taxpayer expense.

WRAPPING THINGS UP

Thank you for joining us and learning more about how you can be better prepared and more confident in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) process. Here at Braden Medicare Insurance Services, we salute you for being attentive and for taking control of your Medicare.

I know you are more confident and empowered about understanding the premise and concepts of Medicare.  As you work with your Medicare Broker, you will continue to expand your knowledge and confidence knowing what Medicare is, what Medicare provides, and what your Medicare options are. 

You will find a lot of interesting and additional information on our website at www.bradenmedicare.com. While you are on the website, you can complete the Contact Us page or, if you prefer, email me directly at mike@bradenmedicare.com or call me at (480) 225-1393.

You can also call Medicare directly with questions at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit the Medicare.gov website to start a live chat. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.