AMAC Magazine Exclusive – By Sabrinah Cave
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, and AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service is here to help you navigate it with confidence. Get organized now so you’ll be better prepared to choose the right coverage for the year ahead.
Here are five essential tips to simplify your Medicare shopping experience:
1 – Review Your ANOC for Plan Change
Each September, your Medicare plan sends you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) outlining adjustments to coverage, premiums, and providers that will take place in the upcoming year. If you misplaced it or didn’t receive it, be sure to contact your insurance carrier. You can also check their website for your 2026 Summary of Benefits document. Understanding plan changes early gives you time to evaluate whether your current plan still meets your needs.
2- Have Provider and Prescription Lists Ready
Create a comprehensive list of your healthcare providers, including the correct spelling of their full names and the office locations where you receive care. Keep an accurate prescription list by taking the information right from your medicine bottles or boxes. Many pharmacies allow you to print your medication list from your online account—use this feature to ensure nothing is missed.
3 – Don’t Assume Your Providers Are In-Network
Don’t assume your doctors or specialists are in-network just because they were last year. Providers can drop out of the network at any time. A provider may also be considered in-network at one location and out-of-network at another. Additionally, multiple practitioners at the same clinic may accept different insurance plans. Double-check provider networks at each of your treatment locations to avoid costly out-of-network bills.
4 – Always Shop Around During AEP
The BIGGEST mistake you can make is failing to compare plan options during AEP. It is especially important this year, since numerous Medicare Advantage Plans will be discontinued in plan year 2026! Several Prescription Drug Plans will undergo structural changes as well. Every Medicare beneficiary should review their options during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7).
5 – Work With a Licensed Insurance Agent
You could endure long hold times just to ask your insurer a simple question, surf the net to find out which insurance plans your doctor accepts, and read through long-winded plan documents yourself… Or you could call AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service. Our Medicare advisors do the legwork for you by comparing numerous plans from our top-rated carriers. They have all the tools and information at their fingertips, allowing them to quickly identify plans that match your needs, wants, and budget. The best part? Our services are free for everyone, whether you are an AMAC member or not. Let our trusted team guide you every step of the way!
BONUS TIP: Don’t Wait Until AEP to Shop for Medicare Supplement Plans!
While AEP is the time to review Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans can be purchased year-round. If you’re considering a Supplement Plan, avoid the AEP rush and shop around at any time during the year. AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service makes Medicare make sense!
Didn’t start your Medicare journey with AMAC?
We can still help! There’s a common misconception that you must stay with the broker or insurance company you chose when you first started Medicare, or risk losing coverage. This is false. In fact, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not exploring all available options. Call to speak with an agent about switching to a plan through AMAC.
Call 866-914-2622 or visit amac.us/bettermatch
