Your Medicare Plan Changed. Here's What to Do About It.
Every September, Medicare plans mail out their Annual Notice of Change letters. Premiums shift. Formularies update. Star ratings change. What worked well for you last year may be quietly costing you more this year — and most people never find out because they don't know to look.
I review every client's coverage before the Annual Election Period each year, whether or not they're thinking about switching. This is a standing service, not a sales call.
What We Offer
Why Medicare Plans Need a Fresh Look Every Year
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are not static. Carriers renegotiate drug formularies, adjust cost-sharing structures, change their networks, and revise premiums annually. A plan that was the right fit three years ago may now be significantly more expensive — or may no longer cover a medication you rely on — without you ever receiving a clear explanation of what changed.
Here's what can shift from one plan year to the next:
- Monthly premiums and annual deductibles
- Prescription drug formulary coverage and tier placement
- In-network providers and specialist access
- Plan star ratings from Medicare
- Carrier availability in your county
- Out-of-pocket maximums and cost-sharing for services you use regularly
None of these changes require your approval. They happen automatically, and your Annual Notice of Change letter is the only advance warning you get.
What the Annual Election Period Means for You
The Annual Election Period — commonly called AEP or open enrollment — runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this window, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change your Part D prescription drug plan, or move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. Any changes you make take effect January 1 of the following year.
AEP is the one guaranteed opportunity every year to course-correct if your plan is no longer working in your favor. Missing it means staying on your current plan for another full year, regardless of what changed.
What the Annual Notice of Change Letter Actually Tells You
Your ANOC arrives in September — before AEP opens — and it lists every material change your plan is making for the coming year. It's a legally required disclosure, and it can run several pages long. Most people find it confusing, set it aside, and assume everything is probably fine.
It is not always fine. The letter is worth reading, and if you're not sure what you're looking at, that's exactly what I'm here for. I review every client's ANOC before AEP opens, flag anything that warrants a closer look, and compare your current plan against available alternatives if a change makes sense. If your plan still comes out on top, I'll tell you to stay put — and mean it.
What Happens During a Plan Review with Ryan
My annual plan review is a conversation, not a presentation. Here's what we cover:
- What changed in your current plan for the coming year
- Whether your prescriptions are still covered at the same tier and cost
- Whether your doctors and preferred facilities remain in-network
- How your plan's star rating compares to alternatives in your area
- What other plans are available in your county and how they compare on total cost
If a different plan would genuinely serve you better, I'll show you the comparison and explain why. If your current plan is still the strongest option, I'll confirm that and we'll be done. The goal is always the right answer for your situation — not a transaction.
No Pressure. No Obligation. Just Clarity.
One of the most common things I hear from people who haven't worked with an independent broker before is that they're worried about being pushed into switching. That concern makes sense — a lot of Medicare marketing is aggressive, and it's hard to know whose advice to trust.
My annual plan review doesn't come with a quota or a switching target. As an independent broker, I work with 13 to 14 carriers, which means I have no reason to steer you toward any particular plan. My only incentive is to give you an accurate picture of your options so you can make a confident decision. If you should stay, I'll say so. If a switch would save you money or improve your coverage, I'll show you the numbers and let you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Annual Plan Reviews
When should I schedule my annual Medicare plan review?
The best time is September, as soon as your Annual Notice of Change letter arrives. That gives us time to review what's changing before the Annual Election Period opens on October 15. If you haven't received your ANOC yet or missed it, reach out anyway — we can still pull your current plan details and run a comparison before December 7.Should I change my Medicare plan during open enrollment?
Only if a different plan genuinely serves you better. The right answer depends on what changed in your current plan, what alternatives are available in your county, and what your actual healthcare usage looks like. Some years the right move is to stay put. Other years a switch saves hundreds of dollars or restores coverage you lost. A plan review gives you the information to make that call with confidence.Is the annual plan review really free?
Yes, completely. Federal law prohibits me from charging you for Medicare consultations. My compensation comes from the carrier if you enroll in a plan, and that fee is built into the premium regardless of whether you work with me or go directly to the carrier. The review costs you nothing either way.What if I'm happy with my current Medicare plan?
That's a fine outcome. If your plan still covers your prescriptions at a reasonable cost, keeps your doctors in-network, and remains competitively priced for your county, I'll tell you to stay on it. The review exists to confirm that — not to manufacture a reason to switch.I've been on the same plan for several years. Do I still need a review?
Especially then. Plans that were well-priced and well-rated several years ago may have drifted significantly in cost or quality since. Formularies change, premiums compound, and carrier ratings shift. A plan that was the right choice in 2021 may be costing you hundreds of dollars more annually than a comparable plan available today. It takes about 20 minutes to find out.
Ready to Know Where Your Plan Stands?
Your Annual Notice of Change letter is sitting in a pile somewhere, or maybe you haven't gotten around to opening it yet. Either way, a 20-minute review is all it takes to know whether your Medicare coverage is still working for you — or whether AEP is worth paying attention to this year. I serve clients throughout Fitchburg, Madison, and across Dane County, and I'm licensed in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, Arizona, and Washington for clients who have relocated.