{"id":324,"date":"2026-09-17T16:33:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T20:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iul.solutions\/blog\/?p=324"},"modified":"2026-09-17T16:33:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T20:33:10","slug":"medicare-plan-changes-annual-enrollment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iul.solutions\/blog\/medicare-plan-changes-annual-enrollment\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Medicare Plan Changing? What to Review Before Annual Enrollment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your Medicare plan may be changing. Every year, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can adjust premiums, deductibles, copays, prescription coverage, provider networks and extra benefits. Some plans may reduce their service areas or leave certain regions entirely.<\/p>\n

That does not mean you should switch plans. It means that letting your coverage renew without reviewing it could be an expensive mistake.<\/p>\n

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, and any change you make takes effect January 1. Use that window to review the Medicare plan changes most likely to affect what you pay and where you receive care: your prescriptions, pharmacy, doctors, hospitals, premium, deductible and cost-sharing. Then weigh those changes against how you expect to use the plan next year.<\/p>\n

Begin With the Annual Notice of Change<\/h2>\n

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall. It explains the changes in coverage, costs, provider networks and service area that take effect in January.<\/p>\n

Medicare says this notice should reach you by September 30. If it does not, contact your plan and ask for a copy.<\/p>\n

Do not stop at the first page, and do not look only at the premium. A premium can hold steady while other costs and coverage rules shift in ways that matter more.<\/p>\n

Will Your Prescriptions Be Covered the Same Way?<\/h2>\n

Start with every prescription you take. Note the exact drug name, the dosage and how often you refill it.<\/p>\n

A drug can stay covered but move to a higher tier, increasing your share of the cost. A plan can require prior approval, limit the quantity covered or require you to try another drug first. A pharmacy that gave you preferred pricing this year may not hold that status next year.<\/p>\n

Review each of these questions:<\/p>\n