Key Takeaways

1. Double-checking your details before submitting your Annual Enrollment Period choices helps prevent surprises in the new plan year.

2. Reviewing your prescriptions, providers, costs, and plan rules ensures your coverage matches your needs for 2026.

Understanding The Importance Of A Final Review

Before you submit your choices during the Annual Enrollment Period, it is important to slow down and give everything a careful final look. The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, but many beneficiaries rush to make decisions without fully reviewing the small details. A last review helps you avoid coverage gaps, unexpected costs, or incorrect information that may affect your experience in 2026.

What Should You Reconfirm About Your Prescriptions?

Your prescription list plays a major role in determining whether a plan meets your needs. Plans change their covered medications each year, and even small adjustments can affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Why Should You Update Your Medication List?

Your most recent medication list helps you match your prescriptions with each plan’s drug coverage. You should ensure:

• Each medication is spelled correctly

• The dosage and frequency are up to date

• Recently added or removed medications are accounted for

Should You Compare Drug Tiers Carefully?

Yes. Drug tiers often change from one year to the next. A medication that falls under a lower tier in 2025 may move into a higher tier in 2026, which can affect your costs during the year. Reviewing the placement of each medication protects you from surprise increases.

What About Pharmacies You Prefer?

Confirm that your preferred pharmacies are still in the plan’s network for 2026. Some plans update their pharmacy networks each year, and using an out-of-network pharmacy can lead to higher costs.

How Can You Confirm Your Doctors And Specialists?

Your relationship with your doctors matters. If you rely on certain specialists or clinics, you must make sure the plan you choose continues to include them.

Why Should You Recheck Provider Networks?

Networks can change every year. A doctor or facility that was covered in 2025 may not be included in 2026. Taking a few minutes to check the most recent provider directory helps you avoid unexpected bills.

What If Your Preferred Specialist Has Limited Availability?

Some specialists appear in a network listing but may have limited appointment times. During AEP, focus on confirming they remain in-network; once your plan year begins, consider calling the office to coordinate future appointments.

What Should You Know About Plan Costs Before Submitting Your Application?

Costs are one of the most important components of your Medicare plan review. A plan may seem suitable at first, but cost details can change from year to year.

Which Costs Should You Review Closely?

You should take the time to examine:

• Monthly premiums

• Deductibles for medical services

• Deductibles for prescription drugs

• Copays and coinsurance for common services

• Out-of-pocket maximums

Even a modest increase in cost can affect your yearly budget, so a careful review ensures you stay prepared for 2026.

Should You Compare Costs For Frequent Services?

Yes. Services you use often, such as doctor visits or diagnostic tests, may have updated cost-sharing amounts for 2026. Comparing them with your current usage helps you estimate what your yearly expenses might look like.

Are You Reviewing Plan Benefits Carefully Enough?

Beyond costs, every beneficiary should pay attention to the plan’s benefits and rules. This helps you understand what is covered and what may require additional steps.

Why Should You Reevaluate Service Requirements?

Some plans create or update rules each year. These may include:

• Prior authorization

• Referral requirements

• Limits on certain services

• Updated coverage guidelines

Checking these rules now prevents confusion once the new plan year begins.

What If You Rely On Specific Types Of Care?

If you use physical therapy, mental health services, home health care, or durable medical equipment, confirm that your chosen plan still supports those needs for 2026.

How Important Is It To Check Plan Notices And Documents?

Several key documents released during AEP help you understand changes for the upcoming year.

Which Documents Should You Review?

Focus on reading:

• The Annual Notice of Change

• The Summary of Benefits

• The Evidence of Coverage

These documents outline what is new for 2026, what has changed, and what to expect once coverage begins.

What Personal Information Should You Verify Before Submitting?

Mistakes in your personal information can delay your enrollment or affect your coverage.

Which Details Need To Be Correct?

Double-check your:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Medicare number

• Home address

• Contact information

Even a small error can create unnecessary issues after the enrollment window closes.

How Can You Make Sure Your Chosen Plan Fits Your Health Needs?

Once you have reviewed your prescriptions, providers, costs, and documents, it is time to evaluate whether the plan fully supports your health goals for the coming year.

What Should You Ask Yourself?

Ask the following questions before submitting:

• Does this plan cover the services I use most?

• Is the cost manageable for my budget in 2026?

• Are my doctors available in the network?

• Are my medications covered appropriately?

• Does the plan match the type of care I expect to need?

Gathering these answers helps confirm whether the plan aligns with your health needs for the year ahead.

How Can You Avoid Last-Minute Mistakes?

AEP runs for a clear duration each year, so use that timeline wisely. Instead of waiting until the final week, try to compare and review earlier in the enrollment window.

What Steps Reduce Errors?

• Spread out your review between October 15 and December 7

• Revisit your choices at least once before submitting

• Update your medication and provider lists throughout the period

• Keep your Medicare card and documents organized

Taking a structured approach makes the entire process smoother.

Making Sense Of Your Final AEP Review

Your final review during the Annual Enrollment Period protects you from overlooked details that may cause stress once 2026 begins. Be thorough with your information, confirm everything that affects your costs and care, and lean on professionals when needed. If anything still feels unclear, reach out to any of the licensed agents listed on this website for guidance regarding your options and next steps.