November 3, 2025 Uncategorized 0

🩺 Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid During Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, giving you a once-a-year opportunity to review your current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. It’s a crucial window for anyone on Medicare — but it can also be confusing and easy to overlook important details.

At Senior Benefits Consulting, we’ve helped countless clients navigate Open Enrollment confidently. To make sure you don’t miss out on the best options for your health and wallet, here are the top five mistakes to avoid during Medicare Open Enrollment.

1. ❌ Not Reviewing Your Current Coverage

Many people assume that if their plan worked last year, it will still be the best option this year — but plans change annually.
Premiums, deductibles, and even drug formularies can shift from one year to the next.

👉 Tip: Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see what’s new for 2026. Even small adjustments could affect your costs or which doctors and medications are covered.

2. ❌ Overlooking Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription costs can add up quickly, and each Part D plan covers medications differently. If you’re taking new prescriptions or notice that your current drugs have moved to a higher pricing tier, it may be time to compare other options.

👉 Tip: Use the Medicare Plan Finder or contact Senior Benefits Consulting, for a free prescription review. We’ll help you find a plan that covers your medications at the lowest possible cost.

3. ❌ Assuming All Medicare Advantage Plans Are the Same

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans vary widely by network, coverage, and additional benefits. One plan may include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, while another might have a better prescription drug option — but fewer doctors in-network.

👉 Tip: Always confirm that your preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are included in the plan’s network before enrolling. A few minutes of research now can save you frustration later.

4. ❌ Missing the Enrollment Deadline

The Open Enrollment Period ends December 7, and any changes made after that date usually have to wait until the next enrollment window. If you miss the deadline, you could be locked into a plan that doesn’t meet your needs for another year.

👉 Tip: Don’t wait until the last week to review your options. Schedule a consultation early — we can help you compare plans and ensure your enrollment is submitted correctly before the deadline.

5. ❌ Trying to Do It All Alone

Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially with so many plans and terms to sort through. Many beneficiaries make decisions based solely on premium costs — without realizing how deductibles, copays, or out-of-pocket maximums could affect their total spending.

👉 Tip: A licensed Medicare agent can help you understand the whole picture — not just the monthly premium. At Senior Benefits Consulting, our guidance is always free and unbiased, helping you choose the right coverage for your health needs and budget.

✅ The Bottom Line

Medicare Open Enrollment is your chance to make sure your plan still works for you. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to better coverage, fewer surprises, and potential savings.

If you have questions about your current Medicare plan or want to explore new options for 2026, we’re here to help.

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