Key Takeaways
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Reviewing your current Medicare coverage each year helps you stay informed about changing costs, benefits, and rules for the upcoming year.
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Understanding which parts of your coverage may be changing ensures you can make confident decisions during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Looking Ahead To The New Plan Year
Each Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 gives you a chance to review your Medicare coverage and decide whether it still meets your needs for the coming year. Since Medicare rules, costs, and benefits can change annually, staying ahead of these adjustments means taking a closer look at several parts of your plan. Doing this helps you avoid surprises and gives you the confidence to keep your coverage aligned with your health and budget.
This article explains the areas you should reevaluate every year and why each one matters. By reviewing these details now, you set yourself up for smoother healthcare planning in 2026.
Checking The Parts Of Your Plan
What Should You Know About Premium And Deductible Changes?
Medicare often updates premiums, deductibles, and other costs at the start of each year. These updates apply differently depending on whether you have Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, or Medicare Advantage.
You should look at:
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Any changes in your monthly Part A or Part B costs
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Adjustments in your deductibles
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Shifts in your out of pocket responsibilities
Even small cost changes can add up across twelve months, so it helps to understand how these updates may affect what you will spend in 2026.
How Should You Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage?
Your prescription needs may stay the same, but your plan’s drug list may change from one year to the next. During AEP, you should:
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Check whether your medications are still covered
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See if your drug tier has changed
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Review any new coverage limits
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Understand the updated out of pocket cap under Part D for the new year
Since drug costs can shift every January, reviewing this section ensures your medication budget remains predictable.
What Should You Look For In Doctor And Specialist Networks?
Many people forget to check whether their doctors or specialists will remain in network for the next year. You should verify:
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That your primary care provider still participates in your plan
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That specialists you rely on remain included
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That your preferred hospitals and clinics still accept your coverage
A network change can be one of the most important factors affecting your access to care, so this step is worth doing early.
How Should You Evaluate Service Locations?
If you plan to travel, relocate, or spend part of the year somewhere else, review how your coverage works in different locations. This includes:
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Whether your plan includes national access
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How your coverage works outside your county or state
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Whether telehealth options are available to support you when you are away from home
Telehealth remains an important tool for many Medicare beneficiaries, and reviewing its availability can help you continue care without interruption.
Understanding Updates To Benefits
What Additional Benefits Should You Focus On First?
Each year, Medicare rules may introduce new covered services or expand what is already available. You should check updates to:
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Preventive care benefits
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Mental health coverage
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Telehealth services
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Care coordination support
These benefits may not be the first things you think about, but they can support your long term health in meaningful ways.
How Should You Think About Cost Sharing Adjustments?
Copayments and coinsurance for various services can change each year. As you evaluate these adjustments, consider how often you use:
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Primary care
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Specialists
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Outpatient procedures
Looking at how frequently you need these services helps you understand the real impact of any cost changes.
Reviewing Your Health Needs
How Can Your Personal Health Changes Affect Your Coverage Needs?
Your health may shift over time, and your Medicare plan should match what you need now, not what you needed years ago. Ask yourself whether you:
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Have new medical conditions
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Have new treatments or therapies
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Anticipate any surgeries or hospital stays
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Need more frequent specialist visits
These factors influence whether your current plan is still a good fit for the upcoming year.
Should You Think About Next Year’s Lifestyle Changes?
Your lifestyle is an important part of your healthcare needs. Consider whether you expect changes related to:
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Travel
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Part time residency in another location
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Starting new activities that may require more medical support
Evaluating these areas now helps you choose coverage that supports your day to day routines for the next twelve months.
Reviewing Your Plan Materials
Where Should You Pay Attention First In Your Annual Notice Of Change?
Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) outlines all the cost and coverage adjustments coming next year. Focus first on the sections covering:
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Prescription drug updates
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Deductible and premium changes
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Network adjustments
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Benefit updates
Reviewing the ANOC early during AEP helps you decide whether your current plan continues to fit your needs.
How Should You Compare Plans If You Decide To Switch?
If your review shows that your plan will not meet your needs in 2026, you can compare other available options. As you do this, concentrate on:
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Whether your doctors are covered
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Whether your medications are included
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How much you expect to spend out of pocket
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What preventive and extra services are available
Comparing plans early in the AEP period gives you enough time to understand differences and make the choice that feels right for you.
Preparing For The Year Ahead
Why Should You Plan Ahead Rather Than React Later?
Making decisions early during AEP reduces stress and gives you peace of mind for the year ahead. When you review your plan, identify what matters most to your health, and take time to compare options, you are better prepared for the start of the new year on January 1.
Staying Ready For Medicare Adjustments
As Medicare updates come into effect each year, reviewing your health needs, costs, benefits, and provider networks ensures that your coverage continues to support you. Taking these steps during the AEP window from October 15 to December 7 helps you keep your healthcare predictable and understandable.
If you need help reviewing your options, get in touch with any of the licensed agents listed on this website for personalized guidance.
