It’s that time of year to give your coverage a quick checkup. From October 15 to December 7, 2025, current Medicare beneficiaries can review their options, compare costs and benefits, and make changes for the year ahead.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply reviewing your plan, it’s important to take time to understand your choices. The information below outlines what you can change, what to look for, and where to find personal guidance—including support from Meth-Wick’s own Medicare resource, Cindy Robertson.
Who can make changes during Medicare Open Enrollment?
During open enrollment, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare plan. If your plan receives your request by December 7, your updated coverage begins January 1.
If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, your initial enrollment window is the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the three months after. If you miss that window, you may be able to enroll during Medicare’s General Enrollment Period, January 1–March 31.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Enrollment Period
Here are a few ways to make the most of this year’s open enrollment period.
1. Review your current plan carefully.
Plans can change from year to year. Check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see if your premiums, copays, or provider network will be different in 2026. Even if you’re happy with your coverage, it’s worth confirming your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies will remain in-network next year. NOTE: you should have received your ANOC document in September. If you did not receive it, contact your current plan.
2. Compare prescription drug coverage.
Drug costs and formularies often change. Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to make sure your medications are still covered and to see if another plan could save you money. New for 2026: the annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D is $2,100, and the maximum deductible is $615. If you enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan in 2025, you’ll be automatically reenrolled unless you opt out.
3. Watch for plan exits or coverage changes.
Some insurers are adjusting or discontinuing certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in 2026. If your plan is leaving your area, you’ll need to select a new one to maintain continuous coverage.
4. Take advantage of free preventive care.
Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost to you, including annual wellness visits, screenings, and vaccines recommended by the CDC. Staying up to date helps you make the most of your benefits. You’ll find that information in Section 2 of the “Medicare and You” booklet linked below.
5. Be alert for scams.
Medicare will never call or email you asking for your Medicare number or personal information unless you contacted them first. Review your mail carefully and ignore sales pitches that seem suspicious.
6. Don’t wait until the last week.
Open enrollment ends December 7, 2025. Submitting your plan changes early helps avoid processing delays, and gives you time to ask questions if something isn’t clear.
7. Visit these helpful links from Medicare.gov:
Help is Available at Meth-Wick
Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free, confidential counseling from trained volunteers to help you compare plans and understand your options. At Meth-Wick, call Cindy Robertson at campus extension 646 or 319-297-8646 to request an information packet.
You can find more information about the help Cindy can provide in the October 10th issue of the Life at Meth-Wick Newsletter.
If you have any other questions about Medicare Open Enrollment, please contact Cindy at the number above.