Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7: Review Your Plan So You Do Not Overpay

There is a window to change your plan, and it closes December 7

If you have Medicare, this is your yearly chance to look at your coverage and make changes. Medicare open enrollment runs each fall and ends on December 7.

During this time you can switch things around so your plan fits your health and your budget for next year. If you do nothing, your current plan usually rolls over, even if the costs or the benefits have changed.

That is why it pays to review now. A quick check today can keep you from paying more than you need to all next year.

What you can review and change

During open enrollment you can switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan. You can also join, drop, or change a Medicare drug plan.

Plans can change their costs and their list of covered drugs from year to year. The doctors and pharmacies in a plan's network can change too.

So even if you liked your plan this year, it is worth checking that your medicines are still covered and your doctors are still in network for next year.

Free help is available, with no sales pitch

You do not have to figure this out alone. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, known as SHIP, offer free, unbiased counseling to people with Medicare.

A SHIP counselor can help you compare plans based on your own medicines and doctors. They do not sell insurance and they are not paid on commission.

Medicare's official tools at Medicare.gov are also free to use. Be careful with anyone who charges a fee to review your Medicare or pressures you to decide fast. The official path never costs money.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I do nothing before December 7?

Your current plan usually continues into next year. But plan costs and covered drugs can change, so doing nothing may mean paying more or losing coverage for a medicine. Reviewing is the safe move.

Does it cost anything to change my Medicare plan?

No. Reviewing and changing your Medicare coverage through Medicare.gov is free. Free SHIP counselors can also help you. You never have to pay a middleman.

Can I get free help comparing plans?

Yes. SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased help. They do not sell insurance. You can reach them through Medicare.gov.

What can I actually change during open enrollment?

You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and you can join, drop, or change a Medicare drug plan.