Helping a parent, spouse, or other loved one make healthcare decisions can be an important responsibility. And when Medicare Annual Enrollment comes around, you may find yourself helping them sort through plan information, compare benefits, or figure out whether their current coverage still meets their needs.
Let’s face it: Medicare enrollment can be confusing, especially when coverage options, prescription drug and medical costs, and provider networks change from year to year. That’s why we’re here to help you help your loved one make informed decisions.
Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people with Medicare can make certain changes to their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the following year.
Whether you're helping someone prepare for Annual Enrollment or already reviewing their options, here are five important steps to consider.
1. Start by Reviewing Their Current Medicare Coverage
Before looking at other plans, take time to understand what coverage your loved one already has.
Medicare coverage generally falls into a few categories, and it helps to know which one your loved one has before you go further. Are they enrolled in Original Medicare with a separate prescription drug plan? Are they also covered by a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, also known as Medigap? Do they have a Medicare Advantage plan (sometimes called Part C)?
If they have a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, help them locate their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which is sent to Medicare beneficiaries by the end of September. This document explains changes to the plan's benefits, costs, coverage, and network changes for the coming year.
Even if they're happy with their current plan, reviewing these changes can help determine whether it still meets their needs.
2. Make a List of Their Doctors and Medications
One of the most helpful things you can do is gather information about your loved one's healthcare needs.
Start with a list of their primary care doctor, specialists, preferred hospitals, and prescription medications, including dosages.
If they have Medicare Advantage coverage, check whether their doctors and hospitals are still covered under the plan next year. If they have prescription drug coverage, review whether their medications will still be covered and what they may cost.
Having this information organized can make comparing plans much easier and help identify potential coverage concerns before changes are made.
3. Look Beyond the Monthly Premium
When comparing Medicare plans, it's easy to focus on the monthly premium. But that's only one part of the overall cost.
Depending on the type of coverage, your loved one may also pay a deductible before coverage starts, plus a copayment or coinsurance each time they get care.
Think about how frequently they visit the doctor, whether they need ongoing specialist care, and how much they spend on prescriptions.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer supplemental benefits, such as certain dental, vision, or hearing services. These may be valuable, but it's important to understand what's included, along with any limitations or costs.
The goal is to find coverage that fits their healthcare needs and budget, not simply the plan with the lowest advertised premium.
4. Include Your Loved One in the Conversation
When you're helping someone navigate Medicare, it's natural to want to make things easier for them. But whenever possible, it's important to keep your loved one involved in decisions about their healthcare.
Ask what matters most to them. Do they want to continue seeing certain doctors? Are prescription costs a concern? Do they travel frequently or spend part of the year in another state?
Their preferences should help guide the conversation.
You can assist with research, organize information, and participate in discussions. However, accessing certain Medicare information or making enrollment decisions on someone's behalf may require Medicare's permission on file, like a signed authorization form.
Helping your loved one understand their options can be just as valuable as helping them compare plans.
5. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Ask Questions
Medicare Annual Enrollment takes place from
October 15 through December 7, with coverage changes made during this period generally taking effect January 1.
Now is a good time to review plan information, gather important details, and begin comparing available options.
Remember, your loved one doesn't necessarily need to change plans every year. If their current coverage continues to meet their needs, staying with that plan may make sense.
The important thing is to review their options rather than assume everything will remain the same.
You Don't Have to Help Them Figure It Out Alone
When you're helping someone you care about make Medicare decisions, you want to feel confident that you're asking the right questions and considering the options that matter most.
But you don't have to become a Medicare expert to be helpful.
That's where we come in.
We're here to help you and your loved one understand Medicare coverage options, review potential changes for 2027, and talk through questions in a comfortable, no-pressure setting.
Whether you're helping a parent review an existing plan or supporting a spouse who's considering a change, we're happy to be part of the conversation.
Call us today to schedule a time to talk. Together, we can address your questions and review available Medicare options to find the best fit. Because when it comes to making important healthcare decisions, having someone knowledgeable to turn to can make all the difference.
Plan availability, benefits, costs, and coverage vary by plan and service area. Eligibility and enrollment rules apply. Assistance with enrollment or access to a beneficiary's personal Medicare information may require appropriate authorization.
