Medicare planning continues after the first enrollment. Your doctors, medicines, address and budget can change, and so can a plan. A review does not mean you must switch. It gives you a reasoned decision to keep or change your coverage.
Read the yearly notices with your own list beside them
Your health or drug plan sends an Annual Notice of Change in the fall. It describes upcoming changes to costs and coverage. Review it alongside the Evidence of Coverage and your current provider and prescription list. Last year’s favorable result is not proof of next year’s fit.
- Compare premiums, deductibles and medical cost sharing.
- Check each important provider and drug again.
- Look for changes in pharmacy arrangements and coverage restrictions.
- Check whether the plan continues in your area.
- Consider any new treatment, equipment or travel needs.
Use the right change window
Fall Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, generally for January 1 health or drug plan changes. People already in Medicare Advantage have a separate January 1 through March 31 opportunity for one permitted change. Other changes require an applicable special enrollment opportunity.
When you move
Tell the plan before moving if possible. Moving outside a plan’s service area, or to an area with new options, can create a Special Enrollment Period. If you notify the plan before the move, the opportunity generally starts the month before the move and lasts two full months after. Otherwise, the opportunity generally begins when you move and continues for two full months afterward. Confirm your actual dates with the plan promptly.
Do not assume the same insurer’s plan has the same network in another county. Check the new address, available plans, pharmacy access and ongoing treatments. Update Social Security’s address records as well.
Medigap is a separate decision
Returning to Original Medicare does not automatically provide a Medigap policy. Check whether a guaranteed issue right, trial right or state protection applies and what evidence it requires. If underwriting applies, confirm acceptance before relying on the new policy.
Close the loop after a change
- Keep the application confirmation.
- Read the acceptance and effective-date notice.
- Review which old coverage ends automatically and which requires action.
- Give the correct cards to providers and pharmacies.
- Check the first premium bill and prescription fill.
Common question: Must I change plans every year? No. Staying can be appropriate after checking current needs and next year’s terms. The point is a deliberate review, not switching for its own sake.
Sources and update notes
Published by My Coverage Relay. Updated September 24, 2026. This guide explains general rules; individual eligibility, plan terms and state protections require a specific review.