Posted November 12, 2026

By Senior Benefits Advisors

Between holiday preparations, family gatherings, and everyday responsibilities, reviewing your Medicare coverage can easily slip down your to-do list. Taking time now can help you understand what to expect when you visit a doctor, fill a prescription, or need care in the new year.

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this period, you can make certain changes to your Medicare health and prescription drug coverage. Changes made during this enrollment period take effect January 1, provided the plan receives your enrollment request by December 7.

At Senior Benefits Advisors, we encourage you to start with one question: Does my coverage still fit my needs?

Start With Your Current Plan

Before comparing other options, take a closer look at what you already have.

Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change explains upcoming changes to costs and coverage. Read it alongside your plan documents, and write down anything you do not understand or want to discuss. Medicare encourages people to review these materials each year.

Think about your experience this year, too. Were appointments easy to arrange? Were your prescriptions affordable? Did any bills surprise you? Your answers can help guide a more useful coverage review.

Put Your Doctors and Prescriptions First

Bring a current list of your doctors, specialists, medications, and preferred pharmacies to your review.

For each plan you are considering, ask:

- Are my doctors and preferred hospitals in the plan’s network?
- Are my prescriptions covered?
- What would my medications cost at my preferred pharmacy?
- How would the plan work if I spend part of the year away from home?

Medicare recommends checking provider and pharmacy participation, prescription coverage, and coverage when living in another state for part of the year before choosing a plan.

Be specific when discussing your doctors. Ask about the exact plan you are considering so you can confirm participation before making a decision.

Look Beyond the Monthly Premium

A monthly premium is only one part of your healthcare budget. Compare deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and expected prescription costs as well. Medicare’s plan comparison guidance recommends reviewing both monthly premiums and estimated yearly drug costs.

Think through the care you actually use. If you regularly see specialists, attend therapy appointments, or take several medications, ask what those services could mean for your budget under each option.

The goal is to understand how coverage would work in your everyday life.

Think About What Has Changed for You

Your own needs deserve as much attention as the plan documents.

Perhaps you have a new doctor, a new prescription, an upcoming procedure, or plans to travel more often. Maybe you are helping a spouse or parent manage appointments and want a clearer understanding of their coverage.

Write down your priorities before your appointment. A short list can help keep the conversation focused on what matters most to you.

Come Prepared With Questions

To make your review more productive, have these items available:

- Your current plan information and Annual Notice of Change.
- A list of doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals.
- A medication list, including dosages and how often you take each prescription.
- Your preferred pharmacy.
- Questions about costs, benefits, or care you expect to need.

If you have coverage through an employer, retiree plan, or another source, check with the benefits administrator before making changes. Medicare recommends understanding how a new plan could affect existing coverage.

Let’s Review Your Options Together

You deserve time to ask questions and understand your choices before making a coverage decision.

Senior Benefits Advisors can help you review your current coverage, discuss your priorities, and compare available options for 2027.

Contact Senior Benefits Advisors to schedule your Medicare coverage review before December 7.

Visit "our website" (https://www.senior-benefits-advisors-llc.com) to connect with our team.

Senior Benefits Advisors is an insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.