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Every fall, a stack of mail shows up with thick envelopes, bold print, and phrases like "important plan information." It's easy to set it aside. Please don't. Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7, and whatever you choose in that window takes effect January 1. The best time to get ready is right now, before the window opens and the TV ads start up.
Here's what's worth reviewing, in the order I'd tackle it.
1. Read your Annual Notice of Change
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, your insurer is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by the end of September. This is the single most useful document you'll receive all year. It spells out what is different about your plan for next year: premiums, deductibles, copays, drug coverage, and which doctors and pharmacies are in the network.
Plans change every year, even when you've been happy with yours. A drug that was covered last year may move to a higher cost tier, or drop off the list entirely. If you only read one thing, make it this.
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