The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is once again upon us, running from October 15 through December 7. This annual window represents one of the most important opportunities for Medicare beneficiaries to review, compare, and change their healthcare coverage for the upcoming calendar year.

Why Medicare Plan Reviews Matter More Than Ever

Healthcare plans are constantly changing, and so are Medicare plans. What worked perfectly for you this past year may not be the best fit for your current situation. During the Medicare AEP, it’s crucial to evaluate plan options while considering your budget, level of care needed, and future network changes.

Your Budget: Medicare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs can change significantly from year to year. A plan that was affordable last year might have increased in price, while new options may offer better value for your specific needs.

Level of Care: Your most recent health needs should be the deciding factor of whether you keep your current health insurance plan or renew with another during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period. These needs can include items such as newly prescribed medications or the necessity to see different specialists. Don’t let an incorrect plan selection limit your healthcare options. Research copays, prescription availability, and in-network offices as part of your decision.

Network Changes: Healthcare providers, pharmacies, and facilities can join or leave plan networks on an annual basis. Ensuring your preferred doctors and pharmacies remain covered is essential for the continuity of your care.

Important Benefits That Continue in 2026

As you prepare for 2026 Medicare coverage, it’s worth understanding the significant improvements already introduced in 2025. Remember that changes happen annually, making your yearly plan review crucial.

The $2,000 Prescription Drug Cap Continues

One of the most significant improvements from 2025 remains in effect: you’ll never pay more than $2,000 out-of-pocket for prescription drugs in a year. The confusing “donut hole” coverage gap is now a thing of the past. Once you spend $2,000 on medications, your plan covers 100% of prescription costs for the rest of the year. This benefit continues to save thousands of dollars for people who take expensive medications.

Payment Plans Still Available

You can still spread your prescription drug costs over several months instead of paying large amounts all at once. With the $2,000 yearly limit, you’d never pay more than about $167 per month if you use this payment plan.

Enhanced Coverage Remains Strong

The expanded coverage introduced in 2025 includes:

• Better heart health services with cardiovascular risk assessments during regular doctor visits
• Expanded mental health coverage for more types of counselors and therapists
• Enhanced suicide prevention services
• Dental care coverage related to kidney disease treatment

Medicare Advantage Benefits to Watch

Many Medicare Advantage plans still offer $0 premiums; however, benefit packages can change year to year. In 2025, we saw some plans reduce or eliminate extra benefits such as over-the-counter drug coverage, meal delivery, and transportation services. This pattern of benefit adjustments is why organizations like Achieva Insurance Agency, with decades of Medicare solution expertise, continue to suggest annual reviews of Medicare coverage plans.

Mid-Year Benefit Reminders

Medicare Advantage members receive personalized notices between June 30 and July 31 about unused benefits. Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and your current Medicare insurance provider so you don’t miss these helpful reminders.

Why 2025 Ongoing Benefits Make Your 2026 Review Even More Important

The improvements from 2025 provide a strong foundation; however, insurance companies adjust premiums, change covered medications, modify provider networks, and alter benefit packages yearly. What worked perfectly in 2025 might not be your best option for 2026.

Consider these factors:

• Premium increases – Even small increases can add up over the course of a year.
• Network updates – Your preferred doctors or pharmacies might join or leave plan networks.
• Formulary changes – Your medications may be covered differently or have a higher cost.
• New plan options – Better coverage or value might now be available in your area.

Navigating Your Medicare Options with Achieva Insurance Agency

Achieva Insurance Agency provides the local, personalized guidance you need to make informed decisions. Their licensed experts are there to help you navigate these annual changes, ensuring your coverage continues to meet your unique needs and budget.

Get clear, personalized help with:

• Identifying which benefits you will need during 2026.
• Understanding new changes that may affect your specific situation.
• Comparing all available plans to find the best value.
• Making confident decisions based on your health care needs and finances.

The Achieva Advantage: Local Experts, Personalized Service

Unlike impersonal 1-800 numbers or complex websites, Achieva Insurance Agency offers genuine, one-on-one help from local professionals.

• Local Expertise: Licensed agents understand the specific healthcare landscape in your area and know which local providers participate in different networks.
• Individualized Attention: Achieva Insurance Agency takes the time to understand your unique health needs and preferences to recommend coverage that truly fits your lifestyle.
• No Pressure: As part of the trusted Achieva Credit Union umbrella, Achieva Insurance Agency will find the best value and peace of mind for your circumstances. They’re goal is not to sell you the most expensive plan, but to provide the exact options you need.
• Ongoing Support: Care and commitment extend beyond enrollment. Achieva Insurance Agency is available throughout the year to help with claims, plan changes, or any Medicare-related questions.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage. Missing this window could mean being locked into a plan that doesn’t serve you for an entire year.

Don’t Wait! The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends December 7

With the upcoming busy holidays, it becomes easy to think that you still have plenty of time. Achieva Insurance Agency makes it simple by offering flexible options to review your benefits.

Visit any Achieva Credit Union Branch to schedule an appointment for a free plan assessment.

In a hurry? Walk-ins are available:

Medicare Resource Center
Achieva Center Court – 1659 Achieva Way, Dunedin, FL

Resource Center Hours:
Wednesdays 9 AM-Noon: Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov. 5, 12, 19 | Dec. 3
Fridays 9 AM-2 PM: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Nov. 7, 14, 21 | Dec. 5

To learn more, call 866.838.5368 or visit Achieva Insurance Agency.

Disclosure

Insurance products shown are offered by Achieva Insurance Agency, LLC, a wholly-owned affiliate of Achieva Credit Union. Any insurance required as a condition of credit extended by Achieva Credit Union need not be purchased from our Agency but may, without affecting the approval of the application for an extension of credit, be purchased from an agent or insurance company of the customer’s choice. GAP and MBI coverage are optional and are not a condition of credit. Insurance Products are not insured by NCUA or any Federal Government Agency; are not a deposit of, or guaranteed by the Credit Union or any Credit Union Affiliate; and may lose value.

All Rights Reserved – Core Insurance Solutions. This is an advertisement. By calling this number or providing your information you agree to speak with a licensed insurance agent about Medicare Advantage, Part D Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Supplements. Not affiliated with any government agency including Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 12 organizations and 285 products which offer products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options. This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at https://www.medicare.gov