What Not to Do During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

It’s that time of year again! The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is here, and like many beneficiaries, you’re likely sorting through piles of mail, sifting through online ads, and juggling calls and emails. While it’s a great opportunity to make sure you have the right coverage, it’s also easy to fall into traps and make mistakes that could impact your health insurance for the coming year.
In this post, we’ll go over some common mistakes people make during AEP —and how to avoid them. Taking a thoughtful, informed approach will ensure that you don’t regret your decision when it comes time for next year’s healthcare needs.
It’s tempting to choose a new plan based on a TV ad , phone call, or an email offering “too good to be true” rates. But rushing into a decision without doing the necessary research is one of the most common mistakes.

1. Don’t Rush Into a Decision Without Doing the Research

What to Do Instead:

  • Take your time to compare your current plan to others.
  • Review your healthcare needs: Think about any new medications, specialists, or services you might need over the next year.
  • Consult your Medicare advisor: Your trusted advisor will help you navigate through the options, clarify what works best for your needs, and guide you toward the best coverage for your health.
Don’t make decisions based on flashy ads. Take a deep breath, review your options thoroughly, and reach out for professional guidance to make the best choice for you.

2. Don’t Forget to Check for Plan Changes

Many beneficiaries stick with the same plan year after year without checking to see if anything has changed. While your plan might have worked fine last year, costs, coverage, and even provider networks may have changed in 2026.

What to Do Instead:

  • Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): This document explains any changes to your plan, including benefits, premiums, and co-pays.
  • Compare how your plan has changed against other available plans, especially if premiums or coverage have increased.
Even if you’re happy with your current plan, don’t assume it’s the best for next year. A quick review can save you money or improve your coverage.

3. Don’t Overlook Your Medications

You may love the idea of saving money with a Medicare Advantage plan that offers low premiums, but will your medications be covered? One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that your prescriptions are included without reviewing the plan’s formulary.

What to Do Instead:

  • Check the formulary: Ensure your current medications are covered and see if they are in the most affordable tier.
  • Consider changing plans if your current one doesn’t cover your medications, or if the coverage is too expensive.
  • Compare Part D options for standalone prescription drug plans if you’re on Original Medicare.

4. Don’t Assume You Can Keep Your Current Doctor

Just because your doctor accepts Medicare doesn’t mean they will accept Medicare Advantage plans . Many Advantage plans have networks, and if your doctor isn’t in-network, you may end up paying more or having to switch doctors.

What to Do Instead:

  • Double-check your provider’s network status: Look up your doctor’s name in the plan’s network directory before enrolling.
  • If your doctor isn’t in the plan’s network, ask them which Medicare Advantage plans they accept, or consider a Medigap policy that offers more flexibility in choosing providers.

5. Don’t Assume Paying More Means Better Coverage

Many people assume that higher premiums automatically mean better coverage , but that’s not always the case. Some $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans actually offer more coverage than higher-priced Medigap plans , particularly in areas like dental and vision .

What to Do Instead:

  • Consider $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans if you’re looking for added benefits like vision, dental, and hearing.
  • If Medigap plans are too expensive, it might be worth exploring a Medicare Advantage plan that offers better value, especially for additional benefits.
Don’t assume that higher premiums are the only way to get the coverage you need.

6. Don’t Call an 800 Number, Fill Out Any Online Forms, Respond to Solicitation Emails or Texts, or Give Info to Telemarketers

The AEP brings out a lot of unsolicited offers, many of which come from untrustworthy sources. Be cautious of:
  • Calling 800 numbers found in unsolicited ads or mailers.
  • Filling out forms on unfamiliar websites.
  • Responding to email or text solicitations asking for personal or financial information.
  • Providing any information to telemarketers over the phone.
These tactics are commonly used by scammers to gather your personal data or even get you to sign up for a plan you don’t need or understand.

What to Do Instead:

  • Hang up if a telemarketer calls about Medicare plans.
  • Don’t respond to emails or texts offering “special deals” on Medicare plans.
  • Avoid filling out forms on unfamiliar websites or providing personal details to unsolicited callers.
  • If you’re contacted by a company, verify their credentials by checking with Medicare.gov or a trusted source before sharing any information.
Instead, work with a licensed Medicare advisor or use trusted resources to research your options.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Medicare Advisor Be Your Guide

The Annual Enrollment Period can be overwhelming, with endless advertisements, solicitations, and pressure to make decisions quickly. But rushing into a decision or falling for scams could have lasting consequences.
Let your Medicare advisor be your guide — someone who can help you understand the options, navigate the confusion, and make an informed decision based on your unique needs. Take a step back, review your options carefully, and don’t fall for the traps.

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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