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Medicare Open Enrollment is Almost Here

Jessica Lippert

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It’s that time of year again—the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period is right around the corner. From October 15 through December 7, 2025, Medicare beneficiaries can review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for next year. Any changes you make during this time will start January 1, 2026. 
 

Watch Your Mailbox for Important Medicare Information and Plan Updates 

  • Loss of Deemed Status Notice: Sent to Medicare beneficiaries who will no longer automatically qualify for Extra Help.  This would happen if someone lost Medicaid coverage or help with the Medicare Part B premium between July 2024 and June 2025.  The notice includes an application to reapply.   

  • Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan, keep an eye out for your ANOC—it explains updates to your coverage and costs for 2026. 

  • Plan Non-Renewal Notices: If your plan is leaving the Medicare Program next year, you’ll get a notice informing you that your coverage ends on December 31, 2025. 

  • Marketing Materials begin October 1st: Starting October 1st, Medicare plans can begin sharing details and marketing materials for their 2026 offerings. 

     

Make the Most of Your Medicare.gov Account 

Creating a free account at Medicare.gov makes comparing plans much easier. With an account, you can: 

  • See personalized coverage details and Extra Help status 
  • Save your drug list and preferred pharmacies 
  • Enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan 
  • Print a copy of your Medicare card whenever you need it 

     

Watch Out for Marketing Violations 

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period brings a barrage of advertisements, including TV and radio spots, mailers, phone calls, and even text messages, all promoting Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. While these marketing tactics can be overwhelming, it’s important to know that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has strict rules in place to ensure that beneficiaries can make informed, pressure-free decisions about their health coverage.  

Medicare plans, agents, and brokers are NOT allowed to:

  • Claim they represent Medicare 

  • Pressure you to join a specific plan 

  • Offer money or gifts as incentives to enroll 

  • Request personal information (like your Medicare or Social Security number) before you have made an enrollment decision 

  • Conduct unsolicited calls or send unsolicited text messages 

  • Visit your home uninvited 
     

If you experience any of these violations, it’s important to report them. In Pennsylvania, you can report Medicare marketing violations to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-356-3606, or by call 1-800-Medicare.  
 

Need Help? 

Not sure what to do or which plan is best for you? Help is available from PA MEDI! Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) provides free, confidential, unbiased counseling to help you review your coverage options for 2026. 

  • Call PA MEDI at 1-800-783-7067. 
  • Check for local PA MEDI events in your area here. 
  • Learn more about PA MEDI here.