What People Should Be Doing During Medicare Open Enrollment (and what comes next)

ByEllen D.

 1. Review Your Current Coverage

  • Look at your Medicare Summary Notice or plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).
  • Check for changes in premiums, deductibles, or drug formularies.
  • Make sure your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are still covered for 2025.

📋 Pro tip: Even if you’re happy with your plan, double-check — many plans change networks or pricing each year.

2. Compare 2025 Plans

  • Use Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder or contact a licensed insurance agent (like Ellen Daniels Agency) to compare plans in your ZIP code.
  • Look at:
    • Monthly premium
    • Drug coverage (especially for expensive prescriptions)
    • Out-of-pocket maximum
    • Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, etc.)

💡 Tip: Sometimes a different Medicare Advantage or Part D plan can save hundreds per year

3. Ask Questions Before You Change

Many people get stuck because they’re unsure about:

  • What happens if they switch from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan
  • Whether they can keep their supplement (Medigap) if they change
  • If their doctors accept a new plan

That’s where local agents come in — they can walk through your specific doctors, medications, and budget to find the right plan.

📞 Ellen Daniels Insurance Agency helps Rhode Island residents understand their options — there’s no cost or obligation for a review.

4. Enroll in a New Plan (if you decide to change)

If you find a better fit:

  • You can enroll through Medicare.gov
  • Or through a licensed agent, like Ellen Daniels Agency who can submit the application on your behalf at no additional cost

Deadline: December 7

  • New coverage begins January 1, 2025
  • If you miss the deadline, you’re locked into your current plan until next year (unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period)

5. After You Enroll — What’s Next?

Once you’ve made your choice:

  • ✅ Keep your confirmation number or application receipt
  • ✅ Watch for your new ID cards to arrive before January
  • ✅ Make sure you cancel any auto-payments from your old plan (if applicable)
  • ✅ Mark your calendar for the first premium payment in 2025

Then — you’re all set for the year ahead!

 Need Help?

Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing.
 At Ellen Daniels Insurance Agency, we help Rhode Island seniors review their options every year — making sure you get the coverage, doctors, and savings you deserve.📞 Call or schedule your free Medicare review today!

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