Medicare annual enrollment period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. Block off time now to review your options before time slips away as you begin planning for the upcoming holiday season.

During this period, review your current plan and compare it to other plans available. Even if your plan is available for renewal, verify your coverage and cost are the same.

This entire process has increased in complexity, therefore, plan to spend several hours reviewing your options.

Take advantage of free seminars in your community to review Medicare options. Also, use the free comparison tool available on Medicare.gov.

You can also find local help on the Medicare website. To ensure you are receiving unbiased information, ask the local person helping you how they are compensated. Some health insurance brokers receive a commission from the Medicare plan you sign up for which may skew their recommendation.

The following list are things to consider as you compare plans:

Changes in your health (i.e., new diagnosis)

New prescriptions

Upcoming surgeries

Relocation – even if it’s in the same State

Access to your doctors, including specialists

Typical wait time for access of care

Coverage when you travel

Premium

Out-of-pocket expenses

Perks with the plan

Every year during this specified time, you’ll have the opportunity to switch your Medicare plan. With the health care environment constantly changing, reviewing your current plan and comparing it to other offerings is wise.

Your existing plan may have changes that impact you or your health care needs may be better served with another plan. With age, it’s expected to spend more time and money on health care.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”