{"id":8382,"date":"2025-09-15T17:25:02","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T21:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/?p=8382"},"modified":"2025-09-15T17:25:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T21:25:23","slug":"5-medicare-moves-to-make-before-december-7-to-avoid-higher-bills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/5-medicare-moves-to-make-before-december-7-to-avoid-higher-bills\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Medicare moves to make before December 7 to avoid higher bills"},"content":{"rendered":"

Open enrollment runs October 15\u2013December 7, 2025<\/strong>. A few quick checks now can prevent surprise premiums<\/strong>, drug denials<\/strong>, and out-of-network charges<\/strong> on January 1, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Missing this window can lock you into higher costs for a full year. Plans change prices<\/strong>, drug tiers<\/strong>, and provider networks<\/strong> annually, so a set-and-forget approach risks a painful new bill at the pharmacy counter or after a routine visit.<\/p>\n

What could shift next year and why it matters<\/h2>\n

Plans can update premiums<\/strong>, copays<\/strong>, and deductibles<\/strong>, change pharmacy<\/strong> and doctor<\/strong> networks, and move medications to new tiers<\/strong>. Even if you\u2019re happy today, your 2026 costs could rise if a drug jumps tiers or a clinic leaves your plan\u2019s network. Review your plan\u2019s annual notice and compare alternatives during the October 15\u2013December 7<\/strong> window.<\/p>\n

Will your doctors and drugs still be covered next year?<\/h2>\n

Call your doctors\u2019 offices to confirm they will accept your 2026 coverage, then check each routine prescription against the plan\u2019s formulary<\/strong> and tier level. Watch for quantity limits and prior-authorization rules. A five-minute cross-check now can prevent a January 1<\/strong> denial at the pharmacy.<\/p>\n

Who wins and who loses when you stay vs switch<\/h2>\n

Staying put may help if your providers and meds line up and your total annual cost<\/strong> is stable. Switching can pay off when a different plan offers your drugs on lower tiers, adds your clinic, or caps costs more effectively.<\/p>\n

\u201cComparing options each fall helps people find coverage that better fits their health and budget for the coming year.\u201d \u2014 Meena Seshamani, CMS deputy administrator<\/p>\n

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During #MedicareOE<\/a>, compare your 2025 coverage options at https:\/\/t.co\/aSGJz3DfwK<\/a>, the official source for Medicare.<\/p>\n

Need personalized help? Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at https:\/\/t.co\/ehlBkgj6vb<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/lTwLqjkqrO<\/a><\/p>\n

— Medicare.gov (@MedicareGov) October 25, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n