What You Need to Know During Medicare Open Enrollment This Year

What You Need to Know During Medicare Open Enrollment This Year

The open enrollment period for Medicare coverage in 2025 runs from October 15 to  December 7, 2024. This is the annual window when existing Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their plans for the coming year.

Changes made during this period will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Who Can Make Changes During Medicare Open Enrollment?

During the open enrollment period, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare plan. As long as your request is received by December 7, your updated coverage will begin on January 1.

If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, the initial sign-up window is three months before and three months after you turn 65. If you miss this window, you’ll need to wait for Medicare’s general enrollment period, which runs from January 1 through March 31.

For more details on signing up or changing plans, visit Medicare.gov.

What’s New in 2025?

The following updates come directly from the official “Medicare & You 2025” handbook:

  • Lowering your prescription drug costs
  • Managing your mental health and wellbeing
  • More resources for caregivers
  • Postal Service Health Benefits Program
  • Changes to telehealth coverage

Tell me about the packet I received in the mail from Medicare

Every year, Medicare sends you an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) describing any changes to your current coverage, costs, or service area. Beware of other mail or calls about your Medicare information. Medicare will never call you for your Medicare number or ask you for personal information unless you reach out first.

This is a Lot of Information. Who Can I Call for Help?

SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance and Information Program, offers free and confidential counseling from trained volunteers to help you navigate your Medicare options.

Please see the information in the September 27th edition of the Life At Meth-Wick newsletter for information on making an appointment with a SHIPP counselor: click here to go to the newsletter.

If you have additional questions or need additional forms, please call Cindy Robertson at extension 646 (319-297-8646).