Your Medicare Plan Checklist Before Oct. 15

Don’t wait until it’s too late to review your Medicare plan – and this Medicare plan checklist will help you out.

Every year, people tell me the same thing: “I meant to look at my plan earlier.” Then it’s mid-November, call centers are jammed, and they’re stuck wondering if they made the right decision.

If you’re on Medicare, October 15 marks the start of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — the time to review your plan, check for changes, and make sure your coverage still fits your needs.

Before the flood of commercials and last-minute decisions hits, here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare.

1. Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

By now, your ANOC should have arrived in the mail. It’s that thick packet most people toss aside — but don’t.

Inside, you’ll find details about:

Premiums and copays changing for next year
Drug list (formulary) updates — which meds are moving to higher tiers
Doctor and hospital network changes
Any new rules like prior authorizations or step therapy

If you spot changes that hit your wallet or remove your doctor, it’s time to compare plans.

2. Make a List of Your Current Medications

Drug coverage is where surprises happen. Each plan updates its formulary every year, and that can turn a $10 refill into a $100 bill overnight.

Write down:

Every prescription you take
Dosage and frequency
Your preferred pharmacy

Then, check those details against the 2026 plan formulary. It’s not exciting, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to avoid overpaying.

3. Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are Still In-Network

Plans reshuffle networks each year. That means your doctor or specialist could quietly move out of network even if you keep the same plan name.

Call your providers and ask:

“Will you still be in-network for my 2026 Medicare plan?”

If there’s any doubt, double-check directly on Medicare.gov or through the plan’s online directory.

4. Evaluate Your Total Costs, Not Just the Premium

Everyone loves to see a $0 premium plan — but that’s only part of the story.

The real number to watch is your total annual cost, which includes:

Monthly premium
Deductible
Doctor and specialist copays
Drug costs
Out-of-pocket maximum (MOOP)

Sometimes, paying a small premium saves you big money in copays and coinsurance later.

5. Think About How Your Health or Travel May Change

Maybe you’re planning to spend more time out of state. Maybe you’ve got a new diagnosis or your medications have changed.

Ask yourself:

Will my plan work if I travel or live in two states?
Do I need more coverage for specialists or hospital visits?
Has my prescription list grown?

Your plan should fit where you are now, not where you were last year.

6. Don’t Forget Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits

Extra benefits get a lot of attention, but read the fine print. Coverage amounts, provider networks, and limits often change each year.

If these benefits matter to you, confirm what’s actually covered in 2026 — not just what the ad says.

7. Line Up Trusted Help Early

When AEP opens, everyone scrambles for help at once.

If you want to review your options with an expert, book your appointment early. That could mean a licensed agent, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or simply setting aside time to use the Medicare Plan Finder online.

A calm review in October beats a panicked decision in December every time.

8. Set a Reminder for December 7

Even if you’re happy with your plan, set a reminder now.

If you don’t make changes by December 7, you’re locked into your current coverage for another year — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

So, finish your review, make your updates, and enter the new year knowing your plan still works for you.