Use this Medicare checklist for open enrollment

Medicare’s open enrollment period — Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 — is when people with Medicare can change their plans for the next year. It’s the best time for Medicare enrollees to read their coverage documents and make sure their plans for the upcoming year meet their needs.

Medicare can make changes each year to the benefits and costs of its health and drug, known as Part C and Part D, plans. Changes could be lower copays, new supplemental benefits, or changes to prescription drug costs. Information about these changes become publicly available starting in October of each year, and the changes generally go into effect Jan. 1 of the next year.

“Take time to consider what matters most for you,” says Don Truong, director of sales at Sharp Health Plan. “For Medicare enrollees wanting step-by-step guidance, this checklist can help you decide whether to keep your current plan or choose a new one.”

Medicare open enrollment checklist

1. Mark your calendar.
   From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, you can make changes to your plan for 2026. If you decide you’re happy with your current plan, you don’t need to do anything.
    

2. Check if your plan benefits will change in 2026.
   In September, you should have received your Annual Notice of Changes in the mail from your Medicare plan. This document tells you about any changes to your plan benefits and costs, including medical care and drug coverage. It’s designed to be a quick and easy read, showing side-by-side comparisons of this year and next year.
    

3. Think about what care you may need next year.
   Have you been recently diagnosed with a new health condition, or do you intend to have surgery or expect to start a new prescription drug next year? Keep these things in mind when making your decision.
    

4. Make sure your doctors are still in your network.
   The providers and facilities affiliated with your network and medical group can change over time. It’s a good idea to double-check that the providers you rely on are still part of your network.
    

5. If you are leaning toward changing your plan, look at quality.
   You should consider Medicare's star ratings in addition to the quality of the network of providers your plan will give you access to. By prioritizing quality, you can have peace of mind knowing you'll have access to the very best care when you need it.

With a growing number of Medicare plan options, the decision to keep or change your Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of trusted community resources that offer free expert advice.

“For free local health insurance counseling about Medicare, Californians can contact the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program hotline at 1-800-434-0222,” Truong says. “Sharp Health Plan also offers free online seminars and in-person events on how Medicare works and the benefits of our Sharp Direct Advantage plans, which are the highest member-rated in California yet again."

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