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Your yearly Medicare checkup

Your yearly Medicare checkup

A review can confirm that staying put makes sense.

3 min readSources checked September 13, 2026Official sources below

Finwell.Health · https://finwell.health/learn/guides/annual-medicare-review

The short answer

Your Annual Notice of Change explains next year's plan changes. Keep it with your coverage documents.

Read your fall notice

Your Annual Notice of Change explains next year's plan changes. Keep it with your coverage documents.

Recheck what matters

Doctors, hospitals, drugs, pharmacies and total costs. Your needs and your plan can change.

Know the fall window

October 15–December 7: review Medicare Advantage and Part D choices. Changes generally start January 1.

Make a deliberate choice

You do not have to switch. Confirm your plan is continuing and still fits. Medigap has separate enrollment rights.

A question worth asking

Do I need to change plans each year?

No. A review helps you decide whether your current plan still meets your needs. Check notices about renewal, networks, drug coverage and costs. If your plan is ending, follow its notice and confirm your options and deadlines. Other qualifying events may provide separate enrollment opportunities.

Your next-step checklist

Use this for your own notes. Checkmarks are not sent to Finwell or saved when you leave.

Sources & review

Checked against the official sources below on September 13, 2026. General education, not an individual coverage or eligibility determination.

Your Annual Notice of Change — Medicare.govOpen Enrollment — Medicare.gov

Coverage and enrollment rules can change. Confirm the details for your situation with Medicare, Social Security, your state or the specific plan. Tell us if something needs clarification.

Keep learning

Make room for your questions

Prepare for a Medicare conversation for yourself or someone you support.

Read the next guide →