At Gentreo, we believe that true peace of mind comes from comprehensive planning—for your legacy, your assets, and your health. Just as we help you protect your family with legally sound estate plans, we want to ensure you have the best information to protect your health and finances through Medicare.

Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is a critical annual event that allows you to review and adjust your health coverage. It’s an opportunity to save money, ensure your doctors are still in-network, and confirm your medications are covered for the coming year. Don’t let this crucial window close without taking action.

Part I: The Medicare Open Enrollment Essentials

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also known as Open Enrollment, is a window every fall from October 15 to December 7. During this time, individuals with Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for the upcoming year. Any changes made take effect on January 1.

It’s important to review your coverage annually because your current plan could change its pricing, doctor networks, or drug coverage (formulary). If you take no action, your plan may automatically renew—but with potentially significant changes in benefits or costs.

Part II: Your Coverage Options During Open Enrollment

During AEP, you can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Part C)
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, switch, or drop a Part D Prescription Drug Plan

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage Plan, note it may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing.

Caution with Medigap: If you drop a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy, you may not be able to re-enroll later, or it could cost more—especially if you’re outside guaranteed issue rights.

Part III: The Gentreo & EOS 3-Step Review Process

Step 1: Review Key Documents

• ANOC (Annual Notice of Change): Shows any changes to your plan’s costs, coverage, or service area.
• EOC (Evidence of Coverage): Explains in detail what the plan covers and what you will pay.

Step 2: Review the Three P’s

• Providers: Are your doctors still in-network?
• Prescriptions: Are your medications still covered and affordable?
• Price: What are the total expected costs (premiums, deductibles, co-pays)?

Step 3: Take Action

• If switching plans: Act between October 15 and December 7.
• If satisfied: No action needed—your current plan will renew (if still available).

Part IV: Important Next Steps & Resources

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

• January 1 to March 31 – If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may switch to another or revert to Original Medicare with drug coverage.

Use this enrollment period to protect your health and financial future. Gentreo and EOS are here to support you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal or insurance advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making decisions related to Medicare or estate planning.