Your Medicare Plan Review Starts Before October 15
Every fall, Medicare plans change their premiums, networks, drug formularies, and benefits. If you're not reviewing your plan before the Annual Enrollment Period closes on December 7, you could be paying more — or getting less — than you should.
What Can Actually Change During Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
AEP isn't just a formality. Carriers file new plan designs every fall, and what worked well for you last year may not be the best fit for the year ahead. Here's what's on the table during the October 15–December 7 window:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
- Enroll in or change a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan
- Add, drop, or change a Part D prescription drug plan
- Adjust coverage to reflect changes in your health, medications, or budget
Any change you make during AEP takes effect January 1 of the following year.
Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year — Even If You're Happy With It
Satisfaction with your current plan is not a reason to skip the annual review. It's actually the most common reason people end up in the wrong plan. Carriers count on inertia. They know most people won't look closely until something goes wrong.
Here's what can change without any notice to you: your plan's monthly premium, the hospitals and specialists in your network, which drugs are covered on the formulary and at what tier, the copays and cost-sharing structure, and extra benefits like dental or vision coverage. Any one of these can shift significantly from one plan year to the next. A plan review takes less than 30 minutes. The cost of skipping it can follow you all year.
What We Cover in Your Annual Plan Review
Premium and Cost-Sharing Changes
We pull your current plan's new-year cost structure and compare it against what's available in your area. If your premium is going up or your out-of-pocket exposure is increasing, we'll know before you do.
Network Changes
Doctors, specialists, and hospitals move in and out of plan networks every year. We check whether your current providers are still covered before you commit to another year.
Formulary and Drug Coverage
If you take regular prescriptions, this is often where the biggest surprises hide. We review your medications against the updated formulary to make sure you're not paying more than necessary.
Benefit Additions and Removals
Extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs can change annually. We look at what you're currently using and whether a different plan covers it better.
Better Options Available in Your Area
New plans enter the market every year. We compare what you have against everything available to you — across all the carriers we represent — to make sure you're in the right plan, not just a familiar one.
We Reach Out to You Before the Window Opens
Most people don't realize AEP has started until they see a TV commercial. By then, the window is already ticking. Our clients don't have to track the calendar — we do it for them.
Before October 15 each year, Rob or a member of our team reaches out to every client to flag any significant changes to their plan and schedule a review if one is warranted. You won't miss the window. You won't be scrambling. And if your plan looks solid for the coming year, we'll tell you that too.
This is what a long-term relationship with an independent Medicare advisor looks like. We don't disappear after enrollment. We show up every fall — because that's when it matters most.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period — Common Questions
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement plan during AEP?
Yes, in most cases. During AEP you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, then pair it with a Medigap Supplement plan. In North Carolina, however, you may need to pass medical underwriting to qualify for a Supplement plan depending on your health history. We'll walk you through what to expect before you make any changes.What happens if I do nothing during Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
Your current plan automatically renews for the new plan year. That sounds harmless, but it means you're accepting whatever changes your carrier has filed — including premium increases, network adjustments, and formulary changes — without knowing whether a better option exists. Doing nothing is still a choice, and it's one worth making intentionally.Will my doctors still be in-network next year if I keep my current plan?
Not necessarily. Provider networks are renegotiated annually, and a physician or specialist who was in-network this year may not be included in next year's plan. This is one of the first things we check during your annual review.When is Medicare open enrollment in North Carolina?
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year, in North Carolina and every other state. Changes made during this window take effect January 1 of the following year.Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment in Greensboro, NC?
Yes. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to a different Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare, or make changes to your Part D drug coverage, AEP is your window to do it. As an independent broker serving Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad, we can compare every plan available in your zip code and help you make the right call.What should I do to prepare for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period in NC?
The most useful thing you can do is gather your current plan documents, a list of your prescriptions, and the names of any doctors or specialists you see regularly. Bring those to your review and we'll handle the rest. If you're an existing client, we'll likely reach out to you before you have to think about it.
Ready to Review Your Medicare Plan Before the Window Closes?
AEP moves fast. Scheduling a review early in October gives you time to compare options without rushing. Whether you're a current client due for your annual check-in or someone exploring Medicare coverage for the first time, we're ready to help.