Newsletter

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD RUNS FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH MARCH 31

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ended on December 7, 2025. Thereafter, a beneficiary can change plans in 2026 only if s/he has a qualifying life event that qualifies the person for a special enrollment period or during the Open Enrollment period.

The Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31. During this period, a person enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan can elect to return to Original Medicare and may also select a Medicare Supplement Plan and/or separate Medicare drug coverage (Part D) OR make a one-time change to a different Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.

A beneficiary who elects a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Plan during his Initial Coverage Election Period (see definition here) can also choose a different Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan -- or switch back to “Original Medicare” (Parts A and B) -- for up to three months after his or her Part A and B effective dates with or without a Medicare Supplement Plan and/or Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Three states - CT, NY, and MA - permit individuals to purchase Medicare Supplement plans at any time without medical underwriting and are considered continuous guarantee issue states. In addition, Maine provides annual guaranteed issue, where policyholders are given the opportunity to switch to plans of equal or less value once a year at any time; this right does not permit buying a Medicare Supplement plan for the first time on a guaranteed issue basis outside of the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

Some Medicare carriers permit members to change plans without underwriting at any time (either to any plan offered by that carrier or to a plan with lower benefits, depending on the carrier), and others have rules that permit members to change to certain plans (e.g., on the two-year anniversary date).

Agents are prohibited from marketing plans during the Open Enrollment Period. If you want to change plans during this period, we can only help you if you contact us at 561-734-3884 (land) or 786-970-0740 if you can’t reach us on our land line, tell us that you want to change plans during this period, and request our help in making this change.

START THE YEAR STRONG: WHAT MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES SHOULD REVIEW EVERY JANUARY (2026 EDITION)

January is the ideal moment for Medicare beneficiaries to make sure their coverage is aligned with their health needs and financial goals for the year ahead. Even if someone is satisfied with their plan, a quick annual checkup can prevent surprises and keep healthcare costs predictable.

Review Your 2026 Plan Benefits

As of January 1, all Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have activated their 2026 benefits.

Beneficiaries should review:

• Updated copays and coinsurance

• Prescription drug tier changes

• Any new or modified supplemental benefits

• Provider network updates

A brief review now can prevent unexpected bills later.

Revisit Prescription Refills and Pharmacy Choices

January is a common month for pharmacies to adjust pricing or preferred status. Beneficiaries should:

• Refill maintenance medications early

• Confirm their pharmacy is still “preferred” (or if the plan has only "standard" pharmacies that the pharmacy is "standard")

• Compare 30‑day vs. 90‑day fill pricing

This is especially important for high‑cost or specialty medications.

Schedule Preventive Care Early in the Year

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost, including:

• Annual Wellness Visit

• Screenings for cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular health

• Vaccinations

Booking early ensures better appointment availability and supports proactive health management.

Update Personal Health Records

Create or maintain a simple folder—digital or paper—that includes:

• Current medication list

• Specialist contact information

• Recent test results

• Emergency contacts

This helps streamline future appointments and improves care coordination.

MAXIMIZING MEDICARE’S PREVENTIVE BENEFITS IN 2026

Many Medicare beneficiaries don’t realize how many preventive services are available at no cost. These benefits are designed to detect issues early, reduce long‑term healthcare expenses, and support healthier aging.

The Annual Wellness Visit: Your Personalized Health Roadmap

Unlike a traditional physical, the Annual Wellness Visit focuses on:

• Reviewing medical history

• Identifying risk factors

• Creating a personalized prevention plan

• Discussing cognitive health

It’s one of the most valuable—and underutilized—benefits Medicare offers.

Preventive Screenings Covered at No Cost

Medicare covers a wide range of screenings, including:

• Mammograms

• Colon cancer screenings

• Diabetes screenings

• Bone density tests

• Cardiovascular disease screenings

These services help detect issues early, often before symptoms appear.

Vaccinations Covered in 2026

Medicare covers important vaccines such as:

• Flu

• COVID‑19

• Pneumococcal pneumonia

• Hepatitis B (for those at risk)

Beneficiaries should check with their pharmacy or provider to ensure they’re up to date.

Why Preventive Care Matters More Than Ever

Preventive care helps beneficiaries:

• Maintain independence

• Reduce hospitalizations

• Improve long‑term quality of life

Taking advantage of these benefits supports better health outcomes throughout the year.

About Paul Cholak

Paul is a licensed, independent health and life insurance agent and has over forty years of benefits experience and specializes in helping Medicare beneficiaries obtain health insurance. However, he offers a complete array of life and health insurance products to individuals of all ages.

He guides Medicare beneficiaries through the steps of getting insurance and is available to help clients both BEFORE and AFTER they've made their purchase decision.

Disclaimer for Part C and D plans: "We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-2048) to get information on all your options."

Contact Us

Local: 561-734-3884 (TTY: 711)

Toll-free: 877-734-3884 (TTY:711)