Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15, 2025 to December 7, 2025. Any changes you make during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.

During Open Enrollment, you can make certain changes to your Medicare health coverage, such as:

• Adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D prescription drug plan
• Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa
• Reviewing and selecting a new Part D plan that better fits your needs

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You can make updates any time during the enrollment period, but the last change you make before December 7, 2025 is the one that will go into effect.

When reviewing your 2026 Medicare plan options, take time to compare plans available in your area; you may find better pricing or coverage. Be sure to consider:

• Access to your preferred doctors, healthcare providers, and pharmacies
• Access to the benefits and services you use most
• Total costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copays
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You should receive the "2026 Medicare & You" handbook, which provides details on Original Medicare benefits. If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan should also send an Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage outlining any updates for 2026.

Once you’ve made your decision, you can:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE
• Visit Medicare.gov
• Or contact your plan provider directly to enroll

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Always request confirmation of any plan details in writing before making your final decision.

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Protect Yourself from Medicare Marketing Violations

Medicare has strict rules about how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can market their services. Knowing these rules can help protect you from aggressive or misleading sales tactics.

Keep these important points in mind during Open Enrollment:

• Unsolicited contact is not allowed. Plans may send you postal mail, but they cannot call, email, visit your home, or approach you in public without your permission unless you are already enrolled with them.
• No false affiliations. Plans are not allowed to claim they represent or are endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. They also cannot use the Medicare name or logo in their marketing materials.
• Scope of Appointment (SOA). If you agree to meet with an agent, they must provide a Scope of Appointment form that outlines what will be discussed. The appointment must take place at least 48 hours after you sign the SOA.
• Transparency before enrollment. Before enrolling you, a representative must explain how the new plan will affect your current coverage. They are required to     review a checklist with you to ensure the plan fits your needs including your preferred providers, medications, and cost expectations.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free, federally funded program available in every state to provide unbiased, one-on-one counseling to people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers. SHIP services do not sell insurance and are there purely to help you make the best decisions for your individual situation.

A review of your Medicare benefits is also included as part of many services offered at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law. If you’d like to schedule a personalized consultation with our team, call our office at(317) 492-9569. We’re here to guide you through your options, answer your questions, and help you make the best choices for your healthcare coverage and peace of mind.