Medicare Open Enrollment usually runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1. Dates can shift, so call us at (860) 774-1243 to confirm this year's window before you plan around it.
Even if you are happy with your plan, it is worth a yearly look. Insurance companies change their prices, their drug lists, and which pharmacies and doctors they cover — every single year. A plan that was the best choice for you last year can quietly become the most expensive one this year.
What to check before you decide:
Your drug list. Make sure every prescription you take is still covered, and look at what you will pay for each one. This is where most people lose money without realizing it.
Your pharmacy. Plans have "preferred" pharmacies where your cost is lower. Check that the pharmacy you actually use is still one of them.
Your doctors and hospital. If you are in an Advantage plan, confirm your doctors and Day Kimball Hospital are still in the network.
The total cost, not just the premium. Add the monthly premium, the deductible, and what you pay at the pharmacy counter. The cheapest premium is often not the cheapest year.
Your Annual Notice of Change. Your plan mails this every fall. It lists exactly what is changing. Keep it and bring it with you.
What happens if you do nothing: your current plan rolls over into next year with its new prices and new rules. Nothing is cancelled, but nothing is checked either.
How we help: the center has three Certified CHOICES counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help year-round. We do not sell insurance and we do not work for any plan. We sit down with you, compare every plan against your own prescription list, and show you the numbers side by side.
Bring with you: your Medicare card, a list of your prescriptions with the doses, your Annual Notice of Change if you have it, and the name of the pharmacy you use.
Call (860) 774-1243 to make an appointment. It is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to change anything.
Questions about this?
Call us at (860) 774-1243 — free, confidential, no appointment needed.