Do I Need to Review My Medicare Plan If My Health Hasn’t Changed?
Yes. Even if your health, prescriptions, and doctors haven’t changed, your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan can change its costs, coverage, and provider or pharmacy networks. An annual review helps you decide whether your current plan still fits. Reviewing your coverage does not mean you must switch.
For the 2027 coverage year: the current Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027; the plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7. These are the established annual enrollment dates, not a newly proposed rule.
Start with the notice from your current plan
Your Annual Notice of Change, often called an ANOC, explains changes taking effect in January. Medicare says you should receive it in September. If you cannot find yours, contact your plan for another copy.
Read it with one question in mind: “What will these changes mean for the care and prescriptions I actually use?” Highlight anything you want explained before deciding what to do.
Five things to check before making a decision
- Your prescriptions. Make an updated list of medication names, strengths, and refill quantities. Use the upcoming year’s plan information to check coverage and estimated costs for your particular list.
- Your pharmacy. Check its status under the exact plan you are considering. An in-network pharmacy may be designated “preferred” or “standard,” which can affect what you pay. Using an out-of-network pharmacy may mean paying the full cost.
- Your doctors and hospitals. For Medicare Advantage, check whether the providers and facilities you want are in the plan’s network for the upcoming year. Ask about the exact plan—not simply whether the office accepts the insurance company.
- Your overall costs. Look beyond the monthly premium. Compare estimated prescription expenses and the costs associated with the services you expect to use. Medicare Plan Finder can help compare plans and estimate costs using your prescriptions and pharmacies. Estimates are not guarantees of your actual spending.
- Whether your current plan is continuing. Read any renewal or coverage-ending notices. If your plan is still offered and continues to meet your needs, you generally do not need to make a change. Follow any specific instructions in your plan’s notices.
Common questions
Do I have to choose a new plan every fall?
No. If your current plan remains available and meets your needs, you can generally keep it. The purpose of a review is to make an informed decision, including an informed decision to stay.
What should I do if I never received an Annual Notice of Change?
Contact your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan and request it. Ask for the document describing the upcoming coverage year so you can review changes before the enrollment deadline.
Does fall Open Enrollment guarantee that I can buy a Medigap policy?
No. Medigap has separate enrollment protections. Under federal law, its six-month Open Enrollment Period begins the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside protected periods, medical underwriting may apply unless you qualify for guaranteed-issue rights or additional state protections. Check your rights before leaving Medicare Advantage with the expectation of buying Medigap.
Your next step
Gather your plan notices, prescription list, preferred doctors, and questions. Compare options through Medicare Plan Finder, or request a Medicare-focused appointment with our team.
Use the appointment form for contact and scheduling details only. Ask how to share sensitive documents securely.
Simply The Best Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency, not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This article provides general education, not an individual coverage recommendation.
Sources & further reading
- CMS: Medicare Open Enrollment (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare.gov: Enrollment options and effective dates (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare.gov: Annual Notice of Change (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare.gov: Getting services and using pharmacy networks (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare.gov: Your Yearly Medicare Review (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare.gov: Medigap enrollment protections (opens in a new tab)
Sources support general education. This article does not endorse a particular policy or guarantee eligibility.