Key Takeaways

1. Skipping your Annual Enrollment Period review can lead to unexpected costs, coverage gaps, and missed changes for the upcoming year.

2. Reviewing your options each year ensures your Medicare coverage still fits your current health needs and financial situation.

Why AEP Awareness Matters

The Annual Enrollment Period, running every year from October 15 to December 7, is the only time most people can make changes to their Medicare health or drug coverage for the next year. If you decide to skip your review entirely, you may not notice important updates that affect how your plan works in 2026. Because Medicare updates take effect on January 1, choosing not to look at the details means you begin the new year with a plan that might no longer align with your needs.

This period is designed to help you stay informed and keep your coverage working the way you expect. Without reviewing your materials, you may miss changes that directly impact your care, costs, and the doctors you can see.

What Changes Are Most Common Every Year?

Medicare plans update certain details annually. Even if your coverage looked stable last year, you should verify important areas such as:

• Cost sharing levels

• Annual deductibles

• Monthly premiums for medical and drug coverage

• Drug formularies and tier placements

• Restrictions such as prior authorization or quantity limits

• Network participation for your doctors or pharmacies

These yearly adjustments apply starting January 1, and ignoring them may shift how much you pay in 2026.

How Can Ignoring These Changes Affect You?

1. What Happens When Costs Increase Without You Knowing?

Plan costs change every year and often rise gradually. If you do not review your plan during AEP, you could enter 2026 with higher costs than expected, especially in areas such as:

• Copayments

• Coinsurance

• Annual deductibles

• Maximum out of pocket limits

Cost increases usually begin on January 1, so skipping your review means you will only discover the changes once you begin using your coverage.

2. What If Your Prescription Drug Coverage Shifts?

Drug coverage updates can significantly affect your out of pocket spending. Formularies can shift, meaning medications change tiers or may no longer be included. If this happens and you miss it, you may:

• Pay more for medications

• Need to switch to alternatives

• Face new prior authorization requirements

Because Part D rules for 2026 apply beginning January 1, you may realize the change only when you attempt to refill a prescription.

3. What Happens If Your Doctor Leaves The Network?

Networks can shift from year to year. A provider who accepted your plan in 2025 may no longer participate in 2026. If you skip your AEP review, you may not learn about this until your first appointment of the year. Out of network costs can be higher, and some providers may not accept your plan at all.

4. Why Does Skipping The Review Affect Long Term Planning?

Health needs can change. Your current plan may have been a great fit last year, but your medical situation or lifestyle may have shifted. If you do not review your coverage, you may miss a better option that supports:

• New medications

• New specialists

• Changing travel habits

• Budget changes

Over time, not reviewing your plan can lead to compounding expenses.

What Risks Increase As You Move Into The New Year?

What If You Only Realize Issues After January 1?

Once AEP ends on December 7, most changes cannot be made until the next year. If you discover a major coverage problem in January or February, you may have limited opportunities to fix it until the next enrollment period. This can create months of:

• Higher spending

• Reduced access to preferred doctors

• Limited coverage for new or ongoing treatments

The earlier you catch a problem during AEP, the easier it is to prevent these issues from impacting the entire year.

What If You Miss New Benefits You Could Have Used?

Plans may add new benefits for 2026. By skipping your review, you may not know about improvements such as:

• Enhanced coverage for routine services

• Expanded telehealth access

• Adjusted cost sharing for common treatments

Missing these improvements means you may stay in a plan that provides fewer advantages compared to other available options.

What Should You Focus On Before December 7?

Which Areas Need The Closest Attention?

To avoid common problems, review these sections carefully:

• Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter

• Summary of Benefits

• Provider search information

• Part D formulary changes

• Out of pocket cost projections

This information highlights all updates taking effect on January 1. Reviewing these details helps you avoid unexpected surprises.

How Long Should A Review Take?

A full review does not need to take long. Most people spend about one or two hours comparing their needs with their plan’s updates. Because AEP runs for roughly eight weeks, from mid October to early December, you have enough time to check your options without rushing.

Why Should You Compare At Least One Alternative?

Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, comparing at least one other plan helps you understand whether your choice still meets your needs. Plans evolve every year, and small differences can influence your costs and access.

How Can Skipping AEP Impact Prescription Drug Costs?

Drug coverage is one of the most variable parts of Medicare. Changes that take effect on January 1 may include:

• Adjusted formularies

• Updated drug tier placements

• Changes to preferred pharmacy networks

• Revised cost sharing amounts

If you do not review these changes, the cost of your routine prescriptions may increase unexpectedly in 2026.

What Are The Consequences Of Staying In A Plan That No Longer Fits?

Remaining in a plan that no longer reflects your needs may:

• Increase your overall health spending

• Restrict access to important specialists

• Limit availability of preferred pharmacies

• Create unnecessary administrative steps for medications or treatments

A small change in your health status or medication list can quickly make last year’s plan less effective.

How To Prevent These Problems Before December 7

What Steps Should You Take Now?

To avoid issues in 2026, consider the following steps:

• Review your ANOC letter as soon as you receive it

• List your current medications

• Confirm your preferred pharmacies are still included

• Check coverage for your specialists

• Compare your projected 2026 costs with your 2025 spending

These steps help you make informed decisions during the AEP window.

Who Can Help You Understand Your Options?

If you want professional support, you can speak with any of the licensed agents listed on this website. They can explain how changes for 2026 may affect your individual situation and help you compare options.

Staying Prepared For The Year Ahead

Skipping your AEP review for the 2026 coverage year can lead to surprises when the new year begins. Because Medicare plans update every January 1, the choices you make or do not make during AEP influence your health and financial protection for the full year. Reviewing your options helps you enter the new year with confidence.

Moving Forward With Clarity

Taking time to review your coverage between October 15 and December 7 helps you avoid unexpected changes and ensures your plan still matches your needs. If you have questions or want help comparing your options, reach out to any of the licensed agents listed on this website for personalized guidance.