Your Medicare AEP Game Plan: What to Review Before October 15

This quick guide gives you a clear, stress-free plan to prepare for Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). From October 15 to December 7, you can review and change your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Prescription Drug coverage. Most updates take effect on January 1. A little preparation now makes all the difference.

This game plan walks you through what to review, what to gather, and how to confidently compare Medicare coverage options with support from C2C Health Insurance Solutions.

Why Preparing Before AEP Matters

AEP is the best time to evaluate your Medicare plans, confirm your doctors and prescriptions are still covered, and explore whether Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or a stand‑alone Part D plan offers better value. Starting early gives you time to review changes, consider new benefits, and avoid last‑minute stress.

Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Your ANOC outlines how your current plan will change next year. Even small updates can impact costs or coverage. Look for:

• Premium changes
• Updates to copays, deductibles, or out‑of‑pocket limits
• Adjustments to drug formularies
• Changes in provider networks

If anything looks unfamiliar or concerning, this is a good signal to consider a Medicare plan comparison.

Update Your Prescriptions List

Having an up‑to‑date list makes it easier to evaluate Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) or Medicare Advantage plans. Include:

• Medication names
• Dosages and frequency
• Preferred brands or generics

Accurate medication details allow our licensed Medicare agents to help you find plans that cover your prescriptions at the lowest possible cost.

Confirm Your Doctors and Providers

Networks change every year. Before AEP, confirm that your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, and labs accept your current plan—or any plan you're considering.

Check Your Preferred Pharmacies

Costs can vary significantly between preferred and standard pharmacies. Make note of:

• Your current pharmacy
• Any mail-order preferences
• Whether you’re open to switching for lower copays

Review Dental and Vision Needs

Many people use AEP to review or add dental and vision insurance, either through Medicare Advantage plans or stand‑alone coverage. Think about upcoming cleanings, major dental work, or changes to your vision prescription.

Think About Travel Plans

If you expect to travel or split time between states, make sure your Medicare coverage aligns with your lifestyle. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and certain Medicare Advantage plans handle travel differently, so review how your coverage works when you're away from home.

Evaluate Your Budget

Review how much you’re spending on premiums, copays, prescriptions, and dental or vision care. This helps determine whether a different Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan could offer better value for the year ahead.

Questions to Ask a Licensed Medicare Agent

Bringing a clear list of questions to your meeting helps you make confident decisions. Consider asking:

• Are there Medicare Advantage or Part D plans with better prescription coverage for my medications?
• Is my current doctor network the best fit for my needs?
• Would my budget benefit more from a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan?
• Are there new benefits or coverage options I should explore?
• How do different plans handle travel or out‑of‑area care?
• Is my dental or vision coverage still meeting my needs?

Your C2C Health Insurance Solutions AEP Game Plan Checklist

• Read your ANOC carefully
• Gather your prescriptions list
• List your doctors and specialists
• Confirm your pharmacy preferences
• Review dental and vision needs
• Consider travel plans
• Set your healthcare budget for next year
• Prepare your questions for a Medicare agent

Get Medicare Guidance You Can Trust

Since 2011, C2C Health Insurance Solutions has helped Medicare beneficiaries compare coverage options and feel confident about their retiree health insurance decisions. Our licensed Medicare agents offer one‑on‑one Medicare consulting across 11 states, with offices in California and New Jersey.

If you’d like personalized Medicare help before AEP, call us at (888) 814-9977 for friendly, no‑pressure support.