Yearly coverage review • 2026 educational resource
Annual Medicare review checklist
Medicare plan costs, benefits, provider networks, formularies, and pharmacy arrangements can change each year. Your health needs can change too. A yearly review helps you understand changes; it does not mean you must switch plans.
Start with your Annual Notice of Change
If you are enrolled in a Medicare health or drug plan, the plan sends an Annual Notice of Change each fall, generally in September. Review changes that take effect in January, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, benefits, formularies, pharmacy arrangements, and provider networks.
Review privately
- Your doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers
- Your exact prescriptions, dosage, quantity, and frequency
- Your preferred pharmacies
- Expected procedures, travel, or a move
- Changes in employer, retiree, Medicaid, VA, or other coverage
Compare plan details
- Total annual cost—not premium alone
- Provider and pharmacy participation for the coming year
- Drug formulary status, tiers, and restrictions
- Prior authorization and referral requirements
- For Medicare Advantage coverage, the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket amount for covered Part A and Part B services
- Extra benefits and the rules or limits attached to them
Confirm before making a change
Use current plan documents and Medicare Plan Compare. Confirm important providers and prescriptions directly with the plan or provider when appropriate. Understand the effective date and what happens to existing coverage before submitting an enrollment request.
Official sources
Related resources
Important information
Wise Owl Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability and details vary by location, eligibility, and plan year. This staging page is educational and must receive final compliance review before production launch.