September is the ideal time to review your Medicare coverage before the Annual Enrollment Period begins. Your Annual Notice of Change outlines updates that may affect your costs, coverage, and provider access for the coming year. Taking time to review these changes now helps you avoid surprises later. A little preparation can lead to more confident, informed Medicare decisions.

Why your plan may not stay the same

Hi, I’m Pamela from Decoding Medicare, and every September I remind my clients that even if your plan worked well this year, it may not look the same next year. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans can change annually, and those updates are detailed in your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

These changes may include adjustments to your costs, covered medications, provider networks, and additional benefits. Skipping this review is one of the most common ways people run into unexpected issues with their coverage.

What to review in your Annual Notice of Change

Your ANOC provides a detailed breakdown of what is changing for the upcoming year. I always recommend reviewing the following areas carefully so you can avoid Medicare mistakes and stay aligned with your needs:

• Premiums: Your monthly cost may increase or decrease
• Copays and deductibles: Costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, and services can shift
• Drug formularies: Confirm your prescriptions are still covered and check their tier levels
• Pharmacy networks: Make sure your preferred pharmacy is still in-network
• Doctor and hospital networks: Verify your providers are still included
• Dental, vision, and hearing benefits: These extra benefits often change in Medicare Advantage plans
• Total out-of-pocket exposure: Understand the maximum you could spend in a worst-case year

Revisit your coverage options

September is also a great time to evaluate whether your current plan type still fits your situation. Some individuals choose to remain in a Medicare Advantage plan, while others explore Medicare Supplement options paired with a Medicare Part D plan.

Having the right Medicare guidance can make this comparison much easier. Understanding Medicare is not just about what you have today, but making sure it continues to serve you well into the future.

How I support you through the process

At Decoding Medicare, I focus on providing clear Medicare education, personalized Medicare coaching, and practical Medicare help so you can feel confident in your decisions. I walk you through your current plan, compare available options, and provide easy-to-use Medicare resources to simplify the process.

There is no pressure, just straightforward support designed to help you make informed choices and avoid common Medicare pitfalls.

Start early before the AEP rush

October tends to fill up quickly once the Annual Enrollment Period begins. If you have questions about your ANOC or want help reviewing your options, I encourage you to get started early. You can join one of my weekly Medicare Q&A sessions or schedule time with me to go through everything step by step.

If you are new to Medicare or simply want a clearer understanding of your coverage, taking action in September can make a meaningful difference for the year ahead.