Your Final Checklist Before December 7

Make sure you’re ready before Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period ends
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7. For seven weeks, you can review your plan and make changes. But as the deadline approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or second-guess your decisions.
That’s why we’ve created this Final AEP Checklist — a simple guide to make sure you’ve covered everything before December 7.

Step 1: Review Your Current Coverage

  • Did you look at your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see what’s changing in 2026?
  • Are your doctors, hospitals, and specialists still in your plan’s network?
  • Have your prescriptions changed or do you expect new ones next year?

Step 2: Compare Costs for 2026

  • Premiums: Will your monthly cost go up, down, or stay the same?
  • Deductibles & Copays: Are your out-of-pocket expenses predictable?
  • Medications: Did you compare costs between a stand-alone Part D and a Medicare Advantage plan?

Step 3: Think About Your Health Needs

  • Do you expect more medical care in 2026 than in 2025?
  • Would a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) give you peace of mind with predictable coverage?
  • Or would a Medicare Advantage plan with extra benefits (dental, vision, fitness) fit your lifestyle better?

Step 4: Confirm Plan Details

  • Did you double-check your preferred pharmacy and drug formulary?
  • Did you confirm specialist access (cardiologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, etc.)?
  • Do you understand the maximum out-of-pocket limit for your plan in 2026?
  • If you changed your plan, have you received your new cards?
  • Since making a change, have your medications or doctors changed?
  • Do you have plans to move to a new service area that your broker needs to know about?

Step 5: Make Your Decision

  • Remember: You can make changes multiple times during AEP.
  • Only your last choice on or before December 7 takes effect on January 1, 2026.
  • If you’re still unsure, schedule time with your broker to review your options carefully.

The Bottom Line

The December 7 deadline comes fast — but with this checklist, you’ll feel confident that you’ve looked at every angle. Whether you stay put or make a change, you’ll know it’s the right decision for your health and budget in 2026.
Don’t wait until the last day. Review, compare, and confirm now — and reach out to your broker for peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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