09/02/2026
Plans send out their Annual Notice of Change in September, outlining what's shifting for January. Most people wait for that envelope to think about any of this. A little homework now makes those letters a lot easier to read.
Before the paperwork arrives, consider pulling together:
• What you actually spend on Medicare this year, not just the premium, but Part B, drug costs, deductibles, copays, specialist visits, the full picture.
• A simple list of your prescriptions, dosages, and pharmacy, since drug costs vary a lot by plan and formulary.
• Whether your current coverage still fits how you're actually using it this year.
This isn't about picking next year's plan yet. It's about walking into that decision with real numbers instead of guessing under a deadline.
*For informational and educational purposes only — not investment advice or a recommendation. Speak with an adviser before making financial decisions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.