MEDICARE
Preparing for the Medicare Open Enrollment Period The Medicare Open Enrollment Period began on October 15 and will end on December 7. For people with Medicare Advantage plans, Open Enrollment will begin on January 1 and end on March 31. Sometime in September, you may have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) document from your current plan provider with information about any upcoming changes to your current plan. Plan coverage may change every year, so may your healthcare needs. The ANOC helps you decide whether your coverage will continue to meet your healthcare needs, or whether it is time to switch to a new plan. It is advisable to review your coverage every year during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period and compare your current plan to other available plans. The following items are what you need to review: Monthly Premiums Premiums may increase each year. Maximum out of Pocket Costs This is the maximum amount you will pay per covered year.
Provider and Pharmacy Networks Your healthcare plan may notify you if any of your doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies are leaving their network. Part D Prescription drug coverage There could be a few changes to your Medicare Part D plan. Check their formulary to make sure that your medications are still included. Office visits Understand what your co-pay amount for visits to primary care physicians and specialists will be. Inpatient hospital stays Your plan might not have a co-pay for hospital stays, but if it does, that amount may change. Benefits and costs for medical services This section highlights any changes to co-pays and coverage for things like emergency care, outpatient surgery, or care in a skilled nursing facility. The Medicare Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov is good resource for up-to-date plan information or contact your local SHIP at 1-800-432-4040 for assistance. FOR MORE INFORMATION Pima Council on Aging is the local SHIP/SMP for Pima County. Contact us at SHIP@pcoa.org or call (520) 546-2011.
Upcoming Medicare Presentations Special 2027 Medicare Updates Saturday, November 14 11:00 am–2:00 pm Murphy-Wilmot Library Understanding Medicare Wednesday, December 16 12:00–3:00 pm Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716-5807 Topics include: • Understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. • Learn about Medigap and Prescription Drug Plans. • Questions to ask before enrolling. • How and when to enroll. 530 N. Wilmot Dr. Tucson, AZ 85710 • Learn about Medicare Savings Programs and getting help with paying Part B premium and/or Part D drug costs for those who qualify. • How to find plans that offer the lowest cost for prescriptions you take.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED visit bit.ly/PCOA-SHIPMedicare or call (520) 546-2011 to register.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,976,986 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are thaose of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.
Page 18 | November & December 2026, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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