Christopher Carrino

Your Medicare Checklist: What to Review Every Year

Reviewing Your Medicare Plan Annually Can Save You Money—and Stress

 

Many people think choosing a Medicare plan is a one-time decision. But the truth is, your healthcare needs, available plan benefits, and prescription costs can change every year. If you don’t review your coverage annually, you might miss out on savings—or worse, end up with a plan that no longer meets your needs.

At Simply Medicare, we encourage every client—new and returning—to schedule an annual Medicare review. It’s quick, it’s free, and it’s one of the best ways to stay in control of your healthcare and finances.

 

What Is a Medicare Annual Review?

 

Your Medicare Annual Review is a yearly opportunity to:

 

  • Re-evaluate your current Medicare plan(s)
  • Compare new plan options
  • Adjust coverage to reflect changes in your health, income, or lifestyle

 

It typically happens during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. But even outside that window, it’s smart to keep tabs on your plan year-round—especially if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

 

Why It Matters: Costs, Coverage & Confidence

 

If you’re like most Medicare enrollees, your needs have changed since last year. Maybe:

 

  • You’ve started new medications
  • Your doctor is no longer in-network
  • You had an unexpected hospital visit
  • Your premium went up
  • Your Part D drug formulary changed
  • You’re just not happy with your current service

 

A quick review can uncover:

  • Lower premiums or better benefits
  • New plan perks like dental, vision, or transportation
  • Prescription savings through different Part D tiers or pharmacies
  • Network changes that impact your preferred doctors

 

Medicare isn’t a “set it and forget it” program. Small adjustments can lead to big savings—and better care.

 

Your 7-Point Medicare Review Checklist

 

1. Review Your Current Coverage

 

Take stock of your current:

 

  • Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan
  • Part D prescription drug plan
  • Out-of-pocket costs from the past year

 

Ask: Is this still working for me?

 

2. Check for Plan Changes

 

Plans can change each year. Look for:

 

  • Changes in premiums, deductibles, and copays
  • Updated drug formularies
  • Altered provider networks
  • New or discontinued plan perks

 

3. Evaluate Your Prescriptions

 

Prescription costs are a major factor in choosing the right plan.
Check:

 

  • Are your medications still covered?
  • Have any tiers changed?
  • Would a different pharmacy save you money?

 

4. Look at New Plan Options

 

Even if you like your current plan, new ones might offer better:

 

  • Monthly savings
  • Additional benefits
  • More flexibility

 

Don’t assume last year’s plan is still the best fit.

 

5. Revisit Your Health & Lifestyle Needs

 

Ask yourself:

 

  • Have I been diagnosed with a new condition?
  • Do I travel more now?
  • Has my provider changed?
  • Am I anticipating surgeries or treatments?

 

The answers can help guide smarter plan choices.

 

6. Understand Enrollment Windows

 

  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan 1 – Mar 31
  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): For qualifying life events (e.g., moving, losing other coverage)

 

We’ll help you know when you can (and should) make changes.

 

7. Schedule a Free Review with a Licensed Agent

 

At Simply Medicare, we offer personal, no-cost consultations to walk through all of the above. No pressure. No confusing sales talk. Just clear answers.

 

Real-World Example:

 

George, 71, Retired Mechanic


George had been on the same Medicare Advantage plan for 3 years. During his annual review, we found a new plan that kept his same doctors, lowered his monthly premium by $42, and included dental coverage. One conversation saved him over $500 a year.

 

Common Mistakes People Make

 

  • Ignoring the Annual Enrollment Period
  • Automatically re-enrolling in the same plan
  • Not realizing their prescriptions are no longer covered
  • Missing out on newer plans with better benefits
  • Not taking advantage of free expert help

 

Medicare doesn’t send you a reminder to review your plan. That’s why working with an independent advisor matters.

 

How Simply Medicare Helps You Stay on Track

 

We believe in ongoing support—not just one-time enrollment help. When you work with Simply Medicare, you get:

 

  • A dedicated agent who knows your needs
  • Annual reviews to make sure your plan still fits
  • Access to dozens of top-rated carriers
  • Clear, compassionate guidance that puts you first

 

And because we’re independent, we don’t push any one company’s plan. We work for you.

 

Don’t Settle for “Good Enough” Coverage

 

You deserve a Medicare plan that keeps up with your life—not one that was right two years ago.

 

Let us help you make sure you're not overpaying—or under-covered.


Schedule your free annual Medicare review today.

 

Simply Medicare proudly serves clients in all 48 licensed states, with personalized guidance from our home base in [Insert City, State]. Whether it’s your first review or your fifth, we’re here to make it simple.