65Delco 65Medicare in plain English for Delaware County

Already on Medicare? Your yearly checkup

Plans change every January: premiums, copays, which drugs they cover and which doctors are in the network. October 15 to December 7 is your window to catch it. Changes start January 1.

The 15-minute checklist

Read your Annual Notice of Change. Your plan mails it by the end of September. It lists what's different next year.
Check every prescription. Is each one still covered, at the same tier, at your pharmacy?
Check your doctors and hospital if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan: are they still in network?
Compare the totals, not just premiums: premium + drug costs + the out-of-pocket maximum.
Run your drugs through medicare.gov/plan-compare to see what other plans would cost.
Do nothing if it still fits. Most plans renew automatically. If yours is ending, you'll get a letter.

Good to know

Drug costs now have a yearly cap

Part D has a limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered drugs each year ($2,100 in 2026; it's adjusted yearly). You can also ask your plan to spread those costs into monthly payments.

Missed it?

From January 1 to March 31, people in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one switch. Certain life events (like moving) open other windows.

Beware of pressure

This is the season for TV ads and phone calls. Medicare will never call you uninvited to sell a plan or ask for your Medicare number. If someone pushes you to decide today, hang up and call PA MEDI in Delaware County at 484-494-3769 for free, unbiased help.