Understood Care
Medicare Open Enrollment is a yearly window from October 15 to December 7 when you can review and change your Medicare coverage for the following year. Changes take effect on January 1. Plans often update premiums, deductibles, drug formularies, and provider networks each year, so even if you were happy last year, it is smart to check that your plan will still fit your needs.
During this period you can:
If you do not make changes, you typically stay in your current plan by default. Still, a quick check can save money or prevent surprises at the pharmacy or doctor’s office.
If you are on Medicare, you may notice a flood of marketing during this time. Many people receive calls, texts, emails, and mailers from different Medicare Advantage organizations in their county. This is normal during Open Enrollment. You do not have to respond to every solicitation. You can take a calm, stepwise approach that starts with your needs and your current doctors and medicines.
If you have a Medigap (supplement) plan, it may cover the Part B deductible depending on which plan you have and when you first enrolled. Always confirm your benefits before January 1 so you know what you will pay when you see a clinician.
You can join a Part D prescription drug plan or switch to a different one. You can also switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan that operates in your service area.
You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or you can return to Original Medicare and optionally add a Part D plan. Some people also look at Medigap policies to help cover out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare. Availability and underwriting rules for Medigap vary by state and timing, so check early.
You may qualify for Extra Help with Part D drug costs or for a Medicare Savings Program that can pay your Part B premium. These programs can significantly lower monthly and pharmacy costs.
Use the official Medicare plan comparison tool to check premiums, estimated drug costs, and in-network providers. Re-run your medications to see total yearly costs, not just the premium.
Every state offers trained counselors who can walk through options with you at no cost. You can also apply for Extra Help with Social Security if you qualify.
Choosing a Medicare Advantage or a drug plan is easier with support. Understood Care can help you:
If you want a partner to organize appointments, referrals, and follow-ups across your providers, our advocates can coordinate your care.
This time of year is busy because Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. You may be bombarded with calls, texts, emails, and mailers from Medicare Advantage plans in your county. For 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185, and the annual Part B deductible is $257. The 2025 Medicare Trustees Report projects a 2026 Part B premium of $206.50 and a $288 deductible. If you have Original Medicare with a supplement (Medigap), many plans help with costs like the Part B deductible, but benefits vary, so check your plan before January 1. Understood Care can sit down with you to compare options and find either a Medicare Advantage plan that fits your doctors and medicines or a supplement that is affordable if you prefer to stay with your red, white, and blue card.
Every year from October 15 to December 7. Changes take effect on January 1.
You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, or add a Part D plan if you do not have one.
You are not required to change, but you should still review your plan’s 2026 changes for premiums, drug coverage, and provider networks to avoid surprises.
The 2025 standard Part B premium is $185 and the Part B deductible is $257. The 2025 Trustees Report projects $206.50 for the 2026 premium and $288 for the 2026 deductible. CMS will publish the official 2026 amounts later in the fall.
If you are considering Medicare Advantage, confirm that your clinicians and hospital are in network for the exact plan and plan year. Call the plan and the provider offices to double-check.
Use the official plan comparison tool to enter each drug and your preferred pharmacies. Look at total yearly drug costs, not only the premium.
Apply for Extra Help to reduce Part D costs. You may also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program through your state that pays the Part B premium.
Yes. We can help you compare options based on your doctors, medications, and budget, and we will walk through the pros and cons so you choose the best fit.
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
We know navigating Medicare and care needs can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our caring team takes care of the paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re always supported.
