The $800 Medicare Mistake to Avoid This Fall

“I didn’t realize my plan changed until I got the bill…”

That’s what Susan, a 73-year-old retiree living in Rockrimmon, told us last year. Her Medicare Advantage plan dropped her primary care doctor and increased her prescription costs — and she didn’t find out until January.

The worst part? She had no idea anything had changed because she never opened her plan’s annual notice.

Susan’s story is all too common. All across the country, retirees assume their Medicare coverage will stay the same from year to year. But plans often change — sometimes quietly — and that can lead to unexpected costs, provider changes, or drug coverage surprises.

Why Open Enrollment Deserves Your Attention
From October 15 to December 7, retirees across the country have the chance to review and adjust their Medicare coverage. This is the one time of year when you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, update your prescription plan, or choose a provider network that better suits your needs.

Yet every year, many retirees skip this window. Sometimes it’s out of habit — “If it ain’t broke…” — and other times it’s because Medicare’s paperwork feels overwhelming. But inaction can cost you.

Reviewing your Medicare plan during open enrollment often leads to meaningful savings — sometimes hundreds of dollars a year — just by switching to a plan that’s a better fit for your health or lifestyle. That’s real money. Enough for a weekend getaway, a flight to visit the grandkids, or simply a little more breathing room in your monthly budget.

Two Real People, Two Very Different Outcomes

Tom and Lisa, a retired couple from Napa, decided to do a quick Medicare review last fall. They discovered that Tom’s prescription drug plan — which cost him $49 a month — had a comparable alternative available for free. The new plan also included dental and hearing benefits. After making the switch, they saved just over $760 for the year.

Meanwhile, Maria, a 74-year-old in San Jose, didn’t review her plan. Her Advantage provider removed her endocrinologist from its network. She didn’t find out until her first follow-up of the year, and by then, it was too late to change plans. She ended up paying for visits out of pocket until the next open enrollment period.

A Simple Way to Stay Ahead

You don’t need to become a Medicare expert to protect yourself. But taking 30 minutes to review your plan — or having a trusted advisor walk through the options with you — can make a real difference.

Start by reviewing your Annual Notice of Change, which should have arrived in the mail in September. It outlines any premium changes, network updates, or drug tier shifts. Then, compare it to at least one or two other options in your area. Medicare.gov has a helpful plan finder, or you can work with a licensed specialist to make it easier.

Finally, think about what matters most to you. Is it keeping your doctor? Lowering your monthly costs? Getting access to benefits you’re not currently using? Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all — and thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.

Final Thoughts

Healthcare is one of the largest — and most unpredictable — expenses in retirement. But with a little planning during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can protect your income, avoid surprises, and even uncover benefits that improve your lifestyle.

The real mistake isn’t choosing the wrong plan. It’s not choosing at all.

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Want help reviewing your plan before October 15?
If you’re unsure whether your current Medicare plan still fits your needs, it may be worth taking a closer look. You can explore your options here.