Your Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist: Here’s What to Know
Roughly 67.3 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare in the United States. Each year, there is a dedicated timeframe called the Annual Open Enrollment Period that typically runs from October 15 to December 7, when Medicare recipients can review their coverage and make any changes for the upcoming year. It’s important to review coverage and explore your options because plans can change, health needs evolve, and so do your finances.
While information about Medicare and its enrollment process can feel overwhelming, there are some steps you can take to prepare. Here is a checklist to help you get you started:
1. Review your current coverage
Your current plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document outlines changes to your current plan’s costs and coverage for the next year. Read it carefully and look for changes in things like premiums, deductibles, copays, and prescription drug coverage.
If your plan is going away next year, your ANOC will detail any special enrollment periods that apply, like extended periods to change coverage or opportunities to purchase supplemental (Medigap) coverage.
2. Assess your health needs
Whether you’re happy with your current plan or considering a switch, it’s still a good idea to take the time to make sure your Medicare coverage still fits your needs and budget.
- Make a list of any new prescriptions or medical conditions.
- Verify that your preferred doctors and hospital are still in-network.
3. Compare plans
Plans change yearly, and new options may offer better coverage or lower costs.
You can use Medicare’s official Plan Finder Tool at Medicare.gov to compare plans in your area. You’ll want to consider the following information when completing your plan comparison:
- Premiums and deductibles
- Copays and coinsurance
- Drug formularies (what medications are covered)
4. Confirm financial fit
Before you commit to a plan, take a moment to ensure that it’s affordable for you. You should estimate your total annual cost by combining premium and out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re on a fixed income, you may qualify for assistance programs that help cover costs. Some options include:
- Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy for prescription drug coverage)
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs), also called VPharm in Vermont
5. Make your changes before the deadline
Keep the deadline date in mind because it’s important that changes are made by then. For 2025, the deadline date is December 7 and any new enrollment or change becomes effective on January 1.
For any action that you take, save confirmation numbers, emails, or letters related to your enrollment. These can help resolve issues if there’s a discrepancy come January.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment is your chance to get the right coverage at the best cost for the New Year. Take the time to review, compare, and choose coverage that works for you. If you’re not sure where to start, contact 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased help.
Additionally, SHIP is offering several webinars throughout Open Enrollment hosted by Age Well. Please contact your local SHIP office to see the list of webinars available and register to attend.
Additional resources
Age Well’s mission is to provide the support and guidance that inspires our community to embrace aging with confidence.
Need help navigating health insurance? Are you approaching Medicare eligibility or supporting a loved one who receives Medicare benefits? If so, Age Well’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is here to help.
About the Author
Caitlyn Morrison-Gillis
Caitlyn is a Care & Service Coordination Supervisor at Age Well. She moved from Boston to Burlington for school, graduating from Champlain College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in social justice. Caitlyn started her career with Age Well as an Options Counselor six years ago. Since then, she also held the role of State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Coordinator. As a supervisor in the Care & Service Department of Age Well, Caitlyn oversees Options Counseling, SHIP, and the Caregiver Support Program.
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