Review Your Medicare Coverage Before Open Enrollment: What to Look For and Why It Matters

Medicare beneficiaries know the feeling: the mailbox fills up fast, especially as fall approaches. It’s tempting to set aside the stack of envelopes and deal with them “later,” but a few key documents arriving in the coming weeks are essential to understanding your coverage for 2027 — and making confident decisions during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period.

From October 15 through December 7, Medicare Open Enrollment gives you the opportunity to review your current coverage, compare options, and make changes if needed. Even if you’re happy with your plan, it’s important to check for updates. Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans can change every year, and those changes may affect your costs, your providers, and the medications you rely on.

Here’s what to watch for — and how these documents can help you prepare.

1. Your Medicare & You Handbook (Original Medicare)

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, keep an eye out for the Medicare & You handbook, typically mailed in September. This guide outlines benefits, costs, and updates for the upcoming year. It’s also available online at Medicare.gov and in multiple languages.

This handbook is your annual roadmap — a reliable way to understand what’s new, what’s changing, and how those changes may affect your healthcare.

2. Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) & Evidence of Coverage (EOC)

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand‑alone Part D prescription drug plan, your plan will send two important documents:

• Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) – Summarizes changes to your plan for next year, including premiums, deductibles, copays, covered medications, provider networks, and pharmacy options.
• Evidence of Coverage (EOC) – Provides detailed information about what your plan covers and how it works.

Reviewing these documents now helps you confirm that your doctors, pharmacies, and prescriptions will still be covered in 2027 — and that your plan continues to meet your needs.

3. Explore Other Plans in Your Area

Even if your current plan still fits your needs, it’s smart to compare. Research shows that beneficiaries can often lower their costs by shopping around. Medicare Advantage plans also have flexibility in offering supplemental benefits, including non‑medical services like nutrition support. When comparing plans, pay attention to which benefits are available to all members versus only some.

4. Know How to Make Changes

If you decide to switch plans during Open Enrollment, you have several options:

• Call 1‑800‑MEDICARE to make changes over the phone
• Visit Medicare.gov to compare and enroll online
• Contact a plan directly (after receiving all information in writing)

And remember — you don’t have to navigate this alone.

5. Get Free, Unbiased Help from SHINE

In Florida, you can turn to SHINE — Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders — our state’s version of the national State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHINE provides free, unbiased, one‑on‑one counseling to help you review your options, understand plan changes, and make confident decisions. In Southwest Florida, you can reach your local SHINE Helpline at 866‑413‑5337 for personalized assistance.

Bottom Line

Medicare mail may feel overwhelming, but reviewing a few key documents now can save you money, protect your access to care, and ensure your coverage truly fits your needs in 2027. As Open Enrollment approaches, take time to read your notices, explore your options, and reach out for help if you need it.