Annual Election Checklist
Prepare providers, prescriptions, pharmacies, ANOC changes, and priorities before reviewing coverage.
Read the Annual Notice of Change
Before the October 15–December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment period, compare next year’s premium, maximum medical exposure, deductible, benefits and drug changes with your existing plan. The ANOC and EOC belong to a specific contract and year.
Official source: Medicare: Open Enrollment ↗ · Medicare: Annual Notice of Change ↗ · Medicare: Evidence of Coverage ↗
Retest every provider and prescription
Recheck the exact physician and facility, all doses and drugs, and your preferred pharmacy for the next benefit year. A carrier name alone cannot verify a plan network or formulary. Save confirmation numbers and representative names.
Official source: Medicare: Provider network fact sheet ↗ · Medicare: Compare plans ↗
Know what can change
During fall Open Enrollment eligible people may change Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for January 1. Changing a private Medicare plan is separate from qualifying to purchase a Medigap policy; investigate underwriting and protected rights before returning to Original Medicare.
Official source: Medicare: Open Enrollment ↗ · Medicare: Buying Medigap ↗
If you take no action
A renewing plan may continue, but its next-year terms can still change. Review rather than assuming last year’s formulary, doctors or maximum expenses will stay the same.
Official source: Medicare: Annual Notice of Change ↗ · Medicare: Yearly review ↗