Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid During Open Enrollment (Act Now Before It’s Too Late!)
Medicare Open Enrollment is here! From January 1st to March 31st, you have the chance to make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you’re not happy with your current coverage. This is your ONLY chance before next year—so don’t make costly mistakes!
Here are the top Medicare mistakes people make during Open Enrollment and how you can avoid them before the deadline.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Open Enrollment
Why It’s a Problem: If you’re unhappy with your Medicare Advantage plan, this is your only time to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (with or without Part D).
Fix It: Act now! The Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends on March 31st. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) to make changes for 2026.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Plan Based on Premiums Alone
Why It’s a Problem: A $0 premium plan might sound great—until you realize it has high copays, a limited doctor network, or expensive prescription drug costs.
Fix It: Look at the total cost of a plan, not just the premium. Consider:
- Deductibles & out-of-pocket maximums
- Copays for doctor visits & prescriptions
- Whether your preferred doctors & hospitals are covered
Mistake #3: Not Checking Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Why It’s a Problem: Drug formularies (the list of covered medications) change every year! Your prescriptions may have moved to a higher pricing tier, been dropped from coverage, or now require prior authorization.
Fix It: Compare your current plan with other options before March 31st. If you’re paying too much for your medications, you may be able to switch to a plan that covers them at a lower cost.
Mistake #4: Assuming Your Doctors Are Still In-Network
Why It’s a Problem: Medicare Advantage plans change their provider networks each year. If your doctor is no longer in-network, you may be stuck paying out-of-pocket or forced to switch providers.
Fix It: Call your doctor’s office and ask if they still accept your plan. If they don’t, you may want to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan before March 31st.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Travel Coverage
Why It’s a Problem: If you travel often (or are a snowbird), your Medicare Advantage plan may not cover out-of-state medical care except for emergencies.
Fix It: If you need more flexibility, consider switching to:
- A Medicare Advantage PPO plan with nationwide coverage
- Original Medicare + a Medigap policy that covers foreign travel emergencies
Mistake #6: Not Asking for Help!
Why It’s a Problem: Medicare is complicated, and choosing the wrong plan could cost you thousands in unnecessary expenses!
Fix It: Get FREE expert Medicare help from a licensed agent (like me! ). I can compare plans, explain your options, and help you make changes before March 31st—at no cost to you.
The Clock is Ticking—Don’t Wait!
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is your chance to fix coverage mistakes from the Annual Enrollment Period and ensure you have the best plan for your needs. But once March 31st passes, you’re locked in for the year!
Need help? I specialize in Medicare and can guide you through your options—for free! Call or text me at 386.229.5885, and let’s find the right plan for you before time runs out!
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