Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment: Do It Yourself Tips

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15–December 7 each year. Be sure to review your Medicare coverage and make changes for the upcoming year.

5 Tips to Get Ready

1. Review your current coverage. Look at your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan to see what is working well and what may need to change. If there are changes you will receive a notice in the mail and they will be listed in your plan's Annual Notice of Change.
2. Make a list of your medications. Include the names, dosages, and frequency of your prescriptions. Check that your medications are covered and compare costs for the upcoming year.
3. Check your doctors and pharmacies. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies to make sure they are still in network. 
4. Compare plans and costs. Review monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Plans and benefits can change every year.
5. Make changes by December 7. If you decide to switch plans, enroll by the deadline. Your new coverage generally begins January 1.
6. If you are notified that your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare drug plan's contract isn't available next year you will have a special enrollment period between December 8th - the last day in February 2027.

Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder to compare plans and review your options. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Avoiding Scams During Medicare Open Enrollment

Protect yourself from Medicare scams during Open Enrollment. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages claiming you must act immediately to keep your coverage or receive extra benefits. Medicare will not call you unexpectedly to sell you a plan or ask for your Medicare number or financial information to provide benefits. Never share your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information with someone you do not know or trust. If an offer sounds too good to be true, take time to verify it. For reliable information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also contact Montana SHIP for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.