Toni Says: Medicare Open Enrollment is almost here ... What should I do?
Toni,
This is my first Medicare Open Enrollment Period, and a few weeks ago I read your article explaining what the fall enrollment time is about. I’m still confused about what I need to do.
I don't know anything about the open enrollment process or how I can make a change. How do I find out which options are right for me? I have health problems and I’m concerned — which Medicare health plan and prescription drug plan do I choose? I also want to be prepared before marketing material and telemarketers bombard me. I would really appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Phyllis from Denver
Hello Phyllis:
Every fall during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP) of Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, the Toni Says Medicare team is asked for help in finding the correct option to enroll in during this time. Let me discuss what you can do, Phyllis, before and during Medicare’s OEP.
Which Medicare option is right for those making changes during OEP depends on their health, prescriptions and whether they want to change their medical providers or facilities. The enrollee may be someone who has a history of serious health issues treated with expensive brand-name prescription drugs or someone who goes to the doctor once a year for a physical and takes inexpensive generics.
Phyllis, I would say to take your time and research your options. Below are steps the Toni Says team uses when helping clients during Medicare’s OEP.
Step #1: Decide whether you want Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) Part C.
Step #2: Decide if you need to enroll in or change your current Medicare Part D plan during Medicare’s OEP.
Step #3: Bear in the mind the deadline. Remember, you have from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 to change your Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan or stand-alone Medicare Part D plan, and the change will begin Jan. 1.
Remember, with Medicare, what you don’t know WILL hurt you!
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Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare, Social Security and long-term care issues. She has spent nearly 30 years as a top sales leader in the field. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664. Sign up for the Toni Says newsletter at www.tonisays.com to keep up to date on Medicare changes.
©2026 Toni King. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Copyright 2026 Toni King, Distributed by Counterpoint Media
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