If you’re on Medicare, you’ll be getting your Annual Notice of Change letter in your mail or email this month about your 2025 coverage and costs. You may be tempted to ignore it, as nearly a third of recipients do. Don’t. Your health is everything make sure you are covered.
-The Editors

🏥Medicare Watch:

Thinking About Changing Your Medicare Plan? Here’s What You Need to Know

As the leaves begin to change colors and fall begins to set in, it’s a great reminder that Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is just around the corner. This annual window, running from October 15 to December 7, is your opportunity to reassess and adjust your healthcare coverage for the upcoming year.

During this time, you can make changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans. However, it’s important to note that Medigap or Medicare supplement plans are not part of this enrollment period. The decisions you make now could save—or cost—you hundreds of dollars and have a significant impact on your health. To help you get ready, here are three essential steps to navigate Open Enrollment with confidence.

Step 1: Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Medicare plans update annually, so it’s crucial to check how your current plan will change in the coming year. By September, you should receive your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which outlines adjustments in cost and coverage for the following year.

When reviewing your ANOC, pay close attention to:

• Premiums: Will your monthly payment increase, decrease, or stay the same?

• Deductibles: Are you responsible for more or less before coverage kicks in?

• Out-of-pocket maximum: Has this limit changed, capping how much you’ll spend annually?

• Copayments/coinsurance: Will you pay more for doctor visits, treatments, or prescriptions?

• Network changes: Have any of your preferred providers or pharmacies left the plan’s network?

• Drug coverage: If you have Medicare Part D, check if any medications were added, removed, or moved to different pricing tiers.

If you haven’t received your ANOC by the end of September, contact your plan directly to request it.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Coverage Needs

After reviewing the ANOC, it’s time to assess whether your current plan still meets your needs. Ask yourself:

• Have your health needs changed? Will you need different doctors, specialists, or treatments next year?

• Is your Medicare Advantage plan covering the services you need, including your preferred doctors and treatments?

• Are your prescription medications covered? Have there been any changes to the cost or restrictions for the drugs you rely on?

• What out-of-pocket costs will you face for doctor visits, hospital stays, or prescription refills?

Considering these factors will help you determine whether switching to a new plan could benefit you.

Step 3: Seek Trusted Guidance

Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, but there’s help available. If you need advice or clarification, reach out to trusted resources for free Medicare counseling. These experts can help you make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of Medicare without stress.

We wrote an awesome article on understanding your Medicare choices. Read it here.

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🔍Poll

With Medicare's Open Enrollment on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reevaluate your plan and ensure you're getting the best coverage possible. Take our quick poll to let us know what matters most to you when reviewing your Medicare options!

📚Study of the week:

“Use It or Lose It": Why Staying Active is Crucial as You Age

We’ve all heard the phrase "use it or lose it," and it’s especially true when it comes to physical fitness. Your muscles, bones, heart, and lungs need regular exercise to stay strong and functional as you age. Without it, they weaken, just like food left too long in the fridge.

Exercise is even more important if you live with conditions like osteoarthritis, where pain may make staying active challenging. But, as experts like Dr. Leia Rispoli, an interventional pain management specialist, point out, you shouldn’t let pain stop you entirely.

“Exercise is key to maintaining cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and bone health, especially as we age,” says Dr. Rispoli. It strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and releases endorphins, which can help manage pain and improve mood.

Why You Should Stay Active:

1. Maintain Independence: Simple daily activities—like carrying groceries, walking the dog, or getting out of a car—require mobility, strength, and coordination. Regular exercise helps maintain these abilities, supporting your independence as you age.

2. Boost Longevity: Research shows that staying active later in life can help the body repair itself and reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis.

3. Reduce Pain: Although exercise may seem daunting if you're in pain, it can help break the cycle of inactivity that often leads to even more discomfort. Strengthening muscles and managing weight can reduce stress on joints and improve overall function.

How to Get Started:

“Move Your Way” is a program put together by our friends in the federal government. This fact sheet is a great place to start, Here is 3 tips to keep you active and healthy for a long time:

1. Consult Your Doctor: Before beginning or changing your exercise routine, get advice from your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic pain or health concerns.

2. Start Slow: Ease into your fitness routine to avoid injury, and avoid pushing through pain.

3. Stay Motivated: Find activities you enjoy and set realistic goals to keep yourself motivated.

Remember, it's never too late to start exercising. With the right approach, staying active can keep you healthier, happier, and more independent as you age.

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