Posted September 8, 2026

Medicare coverage isn't something you should choose once and then forget about.

Every year, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can make changes that may affect your costs, benefits, doctors, pharmacies and prescription drug coverage. At the same time, your own health and financial needs may have changed during the year.

That's why the weeks leading up to Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period are an important time to review your current coverage.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, and changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.

Before AEP begins, here are several things Medicare beneficiaries should consider.

1. Have Your Doctors or Specialists Changed?

Think about the healthcare providers you currently use.

Maybe you've started seeing a new specialist. Perhaps you've changed primary care physicians. Or maybe you're planning a procedure or treatment in the coming year.

Provider networks can vary between Medicare Advantage plans and may change over time. Before deciding to remain with your current coverage or considering another option, verify that the doctors and healthcare facilities important to you participate in the plan's network for the upcoming year.

Don't assume that because your doctor was in-network this year, everything will remain the same next year.

2. Have Your Prescriptions Changed?

Your medications today may look very different from what you were taking when you originally selected your coverage.

Make a current list that includes:

• The name of each prescription

• Dosage

• How frequently you take it

• Your preferred pharmacy

Prescription drug formularies, pharmacy networks, utilization-management requirements and cost-sharing can change. Reviewing your medications can help you better understand how your current coverage may work for you in 2027.

3. Look Beyond the Monthly Premium

A low or $0 plan premium can certainly get your attention, but the premium is only one part of your potential healthcare costs.

Depending on the plan, you may also have copayments, coinsurance, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses when you receive care.

When reviewing coverage, consider how you actually use healthcare.

Someone who rarely visits a doctor may have very different priorities from someone who regularly sees specialists, receives outpatient treatments or anticipates surgery.

The goal isn't simply to find the lowest premium.

It's to understand the overall coverage and potential costs based on your individual needs.

4. Review Your Annual Notice of Change

If you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan, pay close attention to your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

This document explains changes to your plan's coverage, costs and service area that will take effect in the upcoming year.

Don't put it aside because it looks like another piece of mail.

It could contain important information about changes that may affect you.

5. Consider the Benefits You Actually Use

Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, but benefits and availability vary by plan and location.

Instead of focusing solely on the longest list of benefits, consider the benefits that matter most to you.

For example, depending on what's available in your area and the plan, you may want to evaluate benefits related to dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation or other supplemental services.

A benefit only provides value if it fits your needs and you understand how to use it.

6. Has Anything Changed in Your Life?

Sometimes the biggest reason to review your Medicare coverage isn't a plan change.

It's a life change.

Ask yourself:

• Have my healthcare needs changed?

• Am I taking new medications?

• Have I been diagnosed with a new condition?

• Have my preferred doctors changed?

• Am I spending more on healthcare than I expected?

• Have I moved or do I plan to move?

• Do I need different benefits than I did last year?

Even when you're satisfied with your current coverage, these are worthwhile questions to ask.

Don't Wait Until December 7

One of the biggest mistakes beneficiaries can make is waiting until the final days of AEP to begin reviewing their options.

Start gathering your information now.

Make a list of your doctors.

Update your prescriptions.

Review your healthcare expenses.

Read your Annual Notice of Change when you receive it.

Write down questions about anything you don't understand.

That way, when October 15 arrives, you'll be better prepared to make an informed decision.

We're Here to Help You Understand Your Options

Medicare can feel complicated, especially when you're comparing premiums, provider networks, prescription coverage and additional benefits.

You don't have to figure everything out by yourself.

At Senior Benefits Advisors, our licensed insurance agents can help you review your current coverage, understand available plan options in your area and determine which options may fit your individual healthcare and financial needs.

Already have a Medicare plan? That's exactly why an annual review can be important.

Your healthcare needs can change.

Your plan can change.

And the coverage that worked well for you this year may—or may not—continue to be the right fit next year.