Avoid These 6 Open‑Enrollment Mistakes

Open Enrollment runs Oct 15–Dec 7. Use this 5‑minute checklist to avoid costly surprises on Jan 1. Medicare

1. Skipping your ANOCYour Annual Notice of Change arrives in September—it shows next year’s premiums, copays, drug coverage, and network changes. Read it. If you didn’t get it, call your plan. Medicare

2. Not checking your doctors & hospitalsMA plans use networks with different rules (HMO vs PPO, referrals). Confirm in the plan directory and call our clinic with your plan details; we’ll verify before you enroll. Medicare

3. Ignoring your medicationsFormularies, tiers, prior auth, and preferred pharmacies change. Always run your meds in Plan Finder for 2026 estimates. Medicare

4. Choosing on “$0 premium” aloneCompare total yearly cost (premium + drug + copays + MOOP). MA plans have a MOOP; Original Medicare doesn’t (you can add Medigap). Compare carefully. Medicare

5. Forgetting new protectionsIn 2025, Part D has a $2,000 cap; in 2026 it’s $2,100. Consider MPPP if early‑year costs are high. CMS National Training Program+1

6. Falling for unsolicited callsMedicare warns against joining a plan over the phone unless you initiated the call. Report suspected fraud to Senior Medicare Patrol. Medicare

   
   

Want a quick check with your meds and doctors?

Call 559‑369‑7787

with your med list; we’ll walk you through scenarios.

Resources: Key dates; Plan Finder; Fraud reporting; HICAP Fresno‑Madera. Medicare+2Medicare+2