SOURCE: Kira Krown, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you have Medicare, Open Enrollment — which runs from October 15 through December 7 — is when you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans.

Leading up to and during this time, you might see lots (and lots, and lots) of ads, and get lots (and lots, and lots) of phone calls about Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies, and can  differ from original Medicare when it comes to key things like in-network coverage, out of pocket costs, and referral policies for specialists.

There’ll be some changes to Medicare drug coverage coming in 2025. So as you review and compare your options this Open Enrollment Period:

• Confirm what you’re really getting. If you’re thinking about changing your coverage to or from a Medicare Advantage plan, don’t just take an ad, agent, or broker’s word for it when it comes to the details. Call the plan directly, check its website, or call 1-800-MEDICARE: Will your primary doctor, or other doctors you see, be in-network? Will your costs (including copayments) change? Will your prescriptions be covered? Will you need prior authorizations to get the care you need?
• Keep records. If you talked to an agent or broker about a plan and what it covers, keep track of who you talked to, when you talked, and what they told you. Ask for a written description of the plan’s terms. If it turns out the plan isn’t what they promised, the more information you have, the better.
• Get help comparing Medicare costs, coverage, and plans. Start with the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) in all U.S. states and territories. And, as always, find unbiased information about your coverage options at  Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you think you made the wrong plan choice because an agent, broker, or ad gave you misleading information, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell them what happened and they’ll share what options you have. Then tell the FTC:  ReportFraud.ftc.gov.