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If you’ve found yourself staring at the calendar and realizing December 7—the end of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period—is only days away, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Many people wait until the final stretch to review their plans, compare options, and try to understand what’s changed for the coming year.
The good news? You still have time to make a smart, confident decision. With a focused approach and the right tools, you can sort through your options quickly and avoid the most common last-minute missteps.
This guide walks you through what you can still change, what to look for, and where to get trustworthy help—day or night.
1. What You Can Still Change Before December 7
During the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you still have the ability to:
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- Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Add, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
Any updates you make will begin January 1.
A quick note about Medigap: in most states, buying a supplemental (Medigap) policy outside your initial enrollment period may require medical underwriting unless you qualify for guaranteed issue. That means approval isn’t automatic, so don’t assume it works like Medicare Advantage or Part D.
2. If You’re Short on Time, Focus on What Matters Most
When the clock is ticking, it’s tempting to skim. Resist that urge. Instead, focus on three essentials that can save you money and potential headaches:
Check your doctors
If you’re considering Medicare Advantage, confirm your doctors and preferred hospitals are in the plan’s network. If you’re attached to your specialists—or depend on a particular medical center—this step alone may determine your decision.
Review your medications
A plan that looks great on paper may not be so great once you check your prescriptions. Look closely at:
- Whether your medications are covered
- The tier each one falls under
- Any restrictions such as prior authorization or step therapy
- Whether your pharmacy is in-network
This quick review can prevent surprise costs down the road.
Look at total yearly costs—not just the premium
A $0 premium can be appealing, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. For the most accurate comparison, add up:
- Deductibles
- Copays and coinsurance
- Drug costs
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits
Sometimes a plan with a modest premium ends up costing far less over the course of a year.
3. Easy Mistakes to Avoid in the Final Days
Rushing can lead to slip-ups that may affect you all year. Steer clear of these common pitfalls:
Mistake #1: Choosing a plan because of an ad
National commercials often promote benefits that sound universal but may not be available where you live. Read the plan details for your ZIP code.
Mistake #2: Assuming your current plan hasn’t changed
Plans rewrite their rules every year—networks, drug lists, copays, even hospital affiliations. Check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) if you haven’t already.
Mistake #3: Relying only on brokers
Brokers can be very knowledgeable and helpful. However, they typically represent only certain insurance companies. When you’re making a quick decision, you need the full view.
4. How to Compare Plans—Even Late at Night
Many people need help after hours, especially during the final rush. Fortunately, Medicare offers a dependable, around-the-clock solution.
Use the Official Medicare Plan Finder
Website: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare
(Available 24/7)
This is the most complete, unbiased comparison tool available. You’ll find:
- Every plan offered in your area
- Estimated yearly costs
- Prescription coverage details
- Network pharmacies
- Star ratings
- Prior authorization requirements
Five-minute steps:
- Enter your ZIP code
- Add your medications
- Select your pharmacies
- Sort results by “lowest drug + premium cost”
- Compare side by side
This tool alone can help you avoid an expensive mistake.
Check provider networks
If you’re leaning toward Medicare Advantage, visit each plan’s website and search their provider directory. Confirm your doctors, specialists, clinics, and preferred hospitals are included.
Review drug formularies
Look up your prescriptions in each plan’s formulary to confirm cost tiers and restrictions.
Use Medicare Star Ratings
These ratings—updated yearly—offer a quick snapshot of quality and customer service. Avoid low-rated plans unless you have no better options.
Need help at 2 a.m.?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE, which is open 24/7 during AEP. Representatives can walk you through comparisons and help confirm enrollment steps. They do not receive commissions.
5. Where to Find Truly Unbiased Help During the Day
If you want personal guidance—and you can call during business hours—turn to nonprofit and government-funded programs. These organizations offer education, not sales.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP counselors provide:
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- Free, unbiased help
- A complete comparison of all plans in your area
- Clarification of costs, rules, and differences
Find your SHIP at www.shiphelp.org or call 1-877-839-2675.
Medicare Rights Center
Helpline: 1-800-333-4114
A great resource for questions about appeals, denials, or confusing coverage scenarios.
AARP Medicare Education
Education-only tools at www.aarp.org/health/medicare/.
They do not sell insurance plans.
6. Why Nonprofits Often Beat Brokers—Especially Last Minute
There’s nothing wrong with working with a broker; many are excellent. But when you’re making decisions quickly, neutrality matters.
Nonprofits offer:
- No commissions
- No sales pressure
- An unbiased, full view of all available plans
Brokers may:
- Present only the plans they’re contracted to sell
- Earn different commissions for different plans
- Not always show all changes to your current plan
When you’re down to the wire, you want clarity—not sales.
7. Your Last-Minute Checklist for a Smart Decision
Before you enroll, take 10 minutes to:
- List your doctors
- Gather your medications and dosages
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare total yearly costs
- Confirm your pharmacy is in-network
- Check star ratings
- Think about travel needs (especially for snowbirds)
- Enroll through Medicare.gov or the plan’s official website
A little organization goes a long way.
8. If You Miss the December 7 Deadline All is not lost.
From January 1 through March 31, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows you to:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan
- Or return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan
You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you move, lose job-based coverage, or become eligible for Medicaid.
Navigating Medicare with Confidence
If you’ve procrastinated, don’t panic. With the right tools—especially Medicare’s online Plan Finder—you can make smart, confident decisions at any time of day. And if you need guidance, nonprofit counselors and the Medicare helpline provide trustworthy, unbiased support.
Choosing the right Medicare plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming—even at the last minute. With a little focus and the right resources, you’ll be ready for the new year with coverage that fits your health, budget, and lifestyle.
