Gearing Up for Annual Enrollment Period

Don't Panic! Your AEP Game Plan Starts with Knowledge.

It's that time of year again, and for many people on Medicare, the thought of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) can feel a little... well, overwhelming. The mail starts piling up with brochures, your phone rings more often, and you're left wondering if your current plan is still the best one for you.

You're not alone! AEP, which runs from October 15th to December 7th, is a critical window to review your coverage. Your health needs, your doctors, and even your prescriptions can change. And guess what? So can your insurance plan's costs, benefits, and network. What worked great last year might not be the perfect fit for next year.

So, how do you tackle this without the stress and confusion? Our advice is simple: arm yourself with information, not anxiety.

The first step is to take a look at your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter. This document, which your current plan sends out every fall, is your road map. It highlights all the changes for the upcoming year—premiums, copays, deductibles, and even which drugs are on the formulary. It might not be the most exciting read, but it's the most important.

After that, it's time to assess your own situation. Grab a cup of coffee and ask yourself a few questions:

• Have I seen any new doctors or specialists this year?

• Am I taking any new prescriptions, or have any of my medications changed?

• Do I have any planned surgeries or health events for the new year?

• Has my financial situation changed, and could I save money on a different plan?

  
  

This is where the real work begins—and where we can help.

We get it. Comparing dozens of plans, checking if your doctors are in network, and figuring out drug costs is not a quick or easy process. In fact, it's a lot to handle on your own. That’s why we host free, no-obligation Medicare meetings.

Think of these meetings as your personal AEP strategy session. You'll get to sit down with one of our licensed agents—someone who isn't tied to one single insurance company. We will walk you through the fundamentals of Medicare, explain how the different parts work, and break down the options you have during AEP. We'll help you:

• Understand the basics of AEP. What can you change? What are your different plan types?

• Make sense of your ANOC. We’ll go over what to look for so you can understand exactly what’s happening to your current plan.

• Learn the key questions to ask. We'll provide you with the tools to assess your own needs and understand what to look for when you're ready to compare plans.

  
  

The best part? These meetings are purely for education. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make a confident decision, as if you were getting the same care from a family member. As Matt always preaches: "I would do the same for my parents." If, after the meeting, you feel you want to explore your options further and get a personalized plan comparison, we'll be happy to schedule a separate, one-on-one meeting with you. That's when we can dive into the nitty-gritty of your doctors, prescriptions, and specific plan details to find the perfect fit for you.

So, instead of letting AEP overwhelm you, take control. Start by reviewing your ANOC, assessing your needs, and then join us for a free Medicare meeting. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Check out our calendar to find a meeting near you, or give us a call to learn more. Let's make this AEP a smooth and stress-free experience.