Medicare Annual Enrollment Checklist
The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) is your opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage. Use this checklist to ensure you're getting the best plan for next year.
Before October 15: Prepare
Gather information before enrollment begins.
Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)(Important)
Your plan mails this by September 30, showing next year's changes to costs, coverage, and networks.
Make a list of your current medications
Include drug names, dosages, and quantities for accurate plan comparisons.
Verify your doctors' network status
Confirm your providers will still be in-network next year.
Note any changes in your health
New conditions or treatments may affect which plan is best for you.
Calculate your expected healthcare usage
Consider upcoming procedures, ongoing treatments, or anticipated needs.
October 15 - November 15: Compare
Use the first month to thoroughly compare your options.
Use Medicare Plan Finder
Enter your medications and preferences at medicare.gov to compare plans.
Compare total costs, not just premiums(Important)
Factor in deductibles, copays, and expected out-of-pocket costs.
Check drug formularies
Verify your medications are covered and note which tier they're on.
Review extra benefits
Compare dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and other extras if important to you.
Schedule a plan review with an advisor
Get help comparing all options based on your specific situation.
November 15 - December 7: Decide & Enroll
Make your decision and complete enrollment before the deadline.
Choose your plan for next year(Important)
Select the plan that best fits your doctors, medications, and budget.
Enroll in your new plan
Enroll online, by phone, or with help from an advisor.
Keep confirmation of enrollment
Save any confirmation numbers, emails, or letters.
Cancel automatic renewal if switching
Enrolling in a new plan automatically cancels your old plan, but verify.
Mark your calendar for January 1
Your new coverage begins January 1 of the following year.
After December 7: Follow Up
Confirm your enrollment processed correctly.
Verify enrollment confirmation
Check that you received confirmation of your new plan enrollment.
Watch for your new ID card
Your new plan will mail ID cards before January 1.
Inform your doctors if changing plans
Let providers know your new insurance information.
Fill prescriptions before December 31 if needed
Use remaining benefits under your current plan.
Pro Tips
- •Don't assume your current plan is still the best option - plans change significantly year to year.
- •If you do nothing, your current plan continues with its new year changes (which may include higher costs).
- •Pay attention to formulary changes - your medications may have moved to higher cost tiers.
- •Consider total expected costs, not just monthly premiums, when comparing plans.
- •If you enroll in the wrong plan, you can make one change during the Medicare Advantage OEP (January 1 - March 31).
Get Your Free Annual Enrollment Review
We'll compare all available plans and help you choose the best option before December 7.
Get Free Help