Most people never open the notice their plan sends in September, renew by doing nothing, and find out in January that a drug moved tiers or a doctor left the network. This workbook walks you through the same checks a counselor would make. Fill it in on screen — your answers stay in this browser and are never sent anywhere — or print it blank and use a pen.
Need this year's standard figures while you fill this in? Keep the printable cost card beside you.
What to do with it once it's filled in
- Nothing looks worse? You can do nothing; most plans renew automatically. Keep the workbook — next year's comparison starts here.
- A drug is dropping off the list or moving tiers? That is the most common reason to switch. Compare plans with your drug list in Medicare's Plan Finder.
- A doctor is leaving the network? Check whether the plan you are considering includes them for next year — not this year.
- The numbers went up a lot? If your income is limited, you may qualify for help you are not getting — see Getting Help Paying.
- Want a person? Your SHIP counselor will go through this with you free of charge.
The dates that matter
Your plan's Annual Notice of Change arrives by the end of September — see what to look for in it. Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and anything you change then starts January 1. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and change your mind, you get one more switch between January 1 and March 31.
Full detail in Medicare Open Enrollment, and the year-round view in Enrollment & Deadlines.
This workbook is a free organising tool, not advice about which plan to choose. MediPrimer sells nothing and recommends no plan. Confirm details with your plan, Medicare, or your SHIP before you act.