A familiar insurance card does not guarantee that next year’s coverage will work exactly as it does today.

For older adults across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana, Medicare’s annual enrollment season is a good time to check the details before January arrives.

Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, with changes made during this period generally taking effect January 1, 2027.

It allows eligible beneficiaries to review and change Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug coverage, or change how they receive Medicare benefits.

Start with the care you already use

Gather your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, a list of medications and dosages, your preferred pharmacy, and the names of doctors and hospitals you want to keep using.

Check whether each prescription is covered next year, what restrictions apply and how costs differ at your usual pharmacy.

For Medicare Advantage coverage, confirm that the specific doctors, hospitals and other providers you use will participate in the plan for 2027.

In a region where patients routinely cross state lines for care, check the actual provider and location rather than assuming a familiar health system is covered everywhere.

Compare more than the monthly premium

Look at deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and prescription expenses alongside the premium.

For Medicare Advantage plans, also review the annual limit on covered medical out-of-pocket costs and any referral or prior authorization requirements relevant to your care.

A low advertised premium is only one part of the decision.

Before dropping employer or retiree coverage, speak with the benefits administrator about how a change could affect you or your dependents.

Get free help close to home

Ohio residents can contact the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, known as OSHIIP, at 800-686-1578.

Northern Kentucky residents can contact the Northern Kentucky Area Development District’s State Health Insurance Program at 866-516-3051 for free, confidential assistance.

Indiana residents can reach the state’s free, impartial SHIP counseling program at 800-452-4800.

Have your current coverage information and medication list ready when arranging an appointment.

One important distinction

The fall enrollment window is not a universal guarantee that you can buy or switch a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.

If you are considering leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare, ask a counselor about prescription coverage and your specific Medigap rights before making the change.

You do not have to switch plans simply because it is enrollment season, but reviewing next year’s coverage now can help you make an informed decision before the December 7 deadline.