Key Takeaways

• Reviewing certain areas during the Annual Enrollment Period helps you avoid unexpected costs and coverage issues in the year ahead.

• A clear routine makes it easier to confirm that your Medicare coverage still supports your health needs for 2026.

A Useful Starting Point For Your AEP Review

The Annual Enrollment Period runs every year from October 15 to December 7. These eight weeks are your chance to make adjustments that support your well being for the upcoming year. Your future self benefits when you take this time seriously and evaluate key parts of your coverage. Even if everything appears unchanged, a careful review helps you catch small updates that may affect your access to care.

What Should You Check First?

Start with the areas that tend to influence your daily care most. Many changes for 2026 update how services are covered, how much you may pay out of pocket, and which providers you can choose.

Have Your Health Needs Changed Recently?

Your future self benefits when you align your plan with your current health needs. Ask yourself:

• Have you developed any new health conditions in the last year?

• Are you receiving different treatments going into 2026?

• Have your medications changed or increased?

If your needs are growing or shifting, you may require stronger coverage in specific areas. Paying attention to these early helps you avoid surprises when the new year begins.

Are Your Doctors Still Listed In The Provider Network?

Provider networks change annually. Your doctor, specialist, or preferred hospital may not have the same network status for 2026. Confirming their participation ensures your care remains uninterrupted. A quick review saves you from last minute changes or unexpected costs. It is especially helpful to check providers you see regularly.

Are Your Routine Services Still Covered The Same Way?

Coverage for checkups, screenings, therapy sessions, and other routine services may shift from one year to the next. Your future self will appreciate that you checked:

• Any changes in visit limits

• Updated service approval requirements

• Adjustments in coinsurance or copayment amounts

Many of these changes appear in your Annual Notice of Change, which arrives months before the AEP begins.

What About Prescription Drug Coverage?

Prescription coverage updates are one of the most important areas to examine during AEP.

Are Your Medications Still On The Formulary?

Plans update their drug lists each year. A medication you take consistently may:

• Move to a different cost tier

• Require prior authorization

• Require step therapy

• No longer be included

Checking your full list now prevents unexpected pharmacy issues in January.

Are There New Restrictions That Might Affect You?

Look for language related to limits, safety checks, or new processing rules. These changes may influence how quickly you can access your medications or whether extra approvals are needed. Catching these details early improves your ability to plan ahead.

What Financial Areas Should You Review?

AEP is also the time to confirm that costs for 2026 still fit your budget.

Are Your Out Of Pocket Costs Changing?

Review general costs such as:

• Deductibles for 2026

• Copayments and coinsurance ranges

• Annual out of pocket limits

These small shifts add up across the year. Your future self benefits when you compare these numbers to the care you expect to need.

Are You Prepared For Hospital Or Emergency Care Costs?

Costs for inpatient care or emergency services may adjust annually. Reviewing these details helps you understand the financial impact should you need these services during the year. Even occasional hospital care can create noticeable changes in yearly expenses.

What Administrative Details Should You Confirm?

Small administrative updates often go unnoticed, yet they can affect how smoothly your care continues into the next year.

Is Your Primary Care Provider Still Correctly Listed?

Confirm that the system still reflects the correct primary care provider if your plan requires one. Any mismatch may lead to claim delays or referral issues.

Is Your Contact Information Updated?

Your plan relies on accurate information to send notices, reminders, and coverage updates. Make sure your mailing address, email, and phone number are current.

Do You Need New Referrals Or New Authorizations In 2026?

Some services require new approvals every plan year. Checking referral and authorization rules early helps your future self avoid delays in treatment or scheduling.

What Time Based Changes Should You Keep In Mind?

Medicare rules and timelines can shift slightly each year, so reviewing these details helps avoid missed deadlines in 2026.

Are There Updated Preventive Service Guidelines?

Preventive screenings and wellness visits often follow updated timelines. Confirming these helps you plan your appointments for the year ahead.

Are There New Requirements You Must Follow During 2026?

Coverage rules for certain services or medications may include updated time limits, review cycles, or frequency restrictions. Checking them now helps you stay ahead of deadlines.

What Planning Steps Will Help You In 2026?

Planning ahead supports a smoother experience across the year.

Have You Compared Your Current Coverage To Your Expected Needs?

Think about the medical services you expect to use between January and December 2026. This helps you understand whether your current plan aligns with your needs.

Do You Need To Update Your Budget For 2026?

Setting a realistic healthcare budget gives you confidence going into the new year. Reviewing expected costs helps your future self avoid financial stress.

Are You Aware Of The Time Remaining In The AEP Window?

The AEP ends December 7. Many people wait until the final days, but reviewing earlier gives you more room to ask questions and make adjustments.

Moving Forward With Support

Your future self benefits when you take these steps seriously during the AEP period. Spending time now helps ensure that your coverage for 2026 supports your health needs and reduces the chance of unexpected challenges during the year. If you feel uncertain about any part of your review, reach out to any of the licensed agents listed on this website for personalized guidance.