Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15: Is It Time to Change Plans?

Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or switch plans, runs from October 15 to December 7. Now is the time to start shopping around to see whether your current choices are still the best ones for you.

During this period you may enroll in a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan or, if you already have one, change plans. You can also return to traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) from a Medicare Advantage (Part C, managed care) plan, enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch Advantage plans.

Beneficiaries can go to medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to make changes to their prescription drug and health plan coverage.

Relatively few beneficiaries review their coverage each year, yet plans change their premiums, deductibles and drug formularies annually. A plan that was the least expensive option last year may not be this year. It is worth an hour of your time.