By Tyler Haskell, CFP®

 

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare prescription drug plan in Utah, fall is an important time to review your Medicare coverage.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries in Utah can review their coverage and make changes for the upcoming year.

Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare plan, it’s still a good idea to review it. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their premiums, copays, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, pharmacies and benefits from one year to the next.

Here are 10 steps Utah Medicare beneficiaries can take to prepare for AEP this fall.

1. Mark October 15 Through December 7 on Your Calendar

Medicare AEP begins October 15 and ends December 7.

Changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1.

During AEP, you may be able to:

• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Change Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
• Move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare

There is usually no reason to wait until the final days of AEP. Starting early gives you more time to compare your options.

2. Watch for Your Annual Notice of Change

If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in Utah, watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

Your plan generally sends this document in September, and it explains changes that will take effect January 1.

Look closely for changes to:

• Monthly premiums
• Medical copays
• Hospital costs
• Prescription drug coverage
• Deductibles
• Maximum out-of-pocket limits
• Provider networks
• Dental, vision and hearing benefits
• Other supplemental benefits

Don’t assume your 2027 coverage will be identical to your 2026 coverage simply because the plan has the same name.

3. Make an Updated List of Your Prescriptions

Prescription drug coverage can be one of the biggest differences between Medicare plans.

Before AEP, make an updated list that includes:

Medication name – dosage – how often you take it

For example:

Metformin – 500 mg – twice daily

A medication covered favorably by your current plan could have different costs or coverage next year.

4. Make a List of Your Utah Doctors and Hospitals

Write down the doctors, specialists and healthcare facilities that are important to you.

This might include your:

• Primary care physician
• Cardiologist
• Oncologist
• Orthopedic doctor
• Dermatologist
• Preferred hospital
• Other specialists

This can be especially important when comparing Medicare Advantage plans in Utah, because provider networks vary by insurance company and plan.

A plan that works well for someone in Salt Lake County may not necessarily be the best choice for someone living in Utah County, Washington County or another part of the state.

5. Think About Changes in Your Health

Your healthcare needs may have changed during the past year.

Maybe you’ve recently:

• Started seeing a new specialist
• Been diagnosed with a new condition
• Started a new prescription
• Had surgery
• Started using medical equipment
• Begun physical or occupational therapy

Your Medicare coverage should fit the healthcare you’re using today, not simply the coverage you needed when you originally enrolled.

6. Check Your Pharmacy

Where you fill your prescriptions can make a significant difference.

Some Medicare drug plans have preferred pharmacies where members may receive lower prescription costs.

When reviewing your Medicare coverage, don’t just ask:

“Is my medication covered?”

Also ask:

“How much will my medication cost at the pharmacy I actually use?”

Sometimes changing pharmacies can save money without requiring you to change Medicare plans.

7. Decide Which Extra Benefits Actually Matter to You

Many Medicare Advantage plans in Utah offer benefits beyond Original Medicare, which may include:

• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Fitness programs
• Over-the-counter allowances
• Transportation
• Other supplemental benefits

These benefits can be valuable, but they shouldn’t be the only reason you select a Medicare plan.

Start with your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions and potential medical costs. Then compare the additional benefits.

The plan advertising the most extras isn’t automatically the best Medicare plan for you.

8. Don’t Choose a Utah Medicare Advantage Plan Based Only on Premium

You may see Medicare Advantage plans in Utah advertising a $0 monthly plan premium.

That doesn’t mean your healthcare will cost $0.

Look at the entire plan, including:

• Primary care and specialist copays
• Hospital copays
• Outpatient surgery costs
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription drug costs
• Maximum out-of-pocket limit
• Provider network

Your monthly premium is only one part of your potential healthcare costs.

9. Compare Your Current Plan With the New Utah Medicare Options

Once the upcoming year’s Medicare Advantage and Part D plans become available on October 1st, compare them with your existing coverage.

You don’t need to change Medicare plans simply because AEP arrives.

If your current plan still covers your doctors and medications and continues to fit your healthcare needs and budget, staying with your current plan may be the best decision.

The important thing is to review your coverage rather than assume nothing has changed.

10. Work With a Local Utah Medicare Broker

Medicare can be complicated, and the Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available to you depend on where you live.

Working with a local independent Utah Medicare agent can make comparing your options easier and the best part is, it doesn’t cost you a dime!

At Professional Insurance Solutions, we help Utah Medicare beneficiaries review:

• Current Medicare coverage
• Prescription medications
• Doctors and hospitals
• Medicare Advantage plans
• Medicare Supplement plans
• Part D prescription drug plans

Because we’re an independent insurance agency, we can help clients compare options from multiple insurance companies.

And sometimes, after reviewing everything, our recommendation is simple:

Keep the Medicare plan you already have.

Get Ready for Medicare AEP in Utah

You don’t have to wait until October 15 to start preparing for Medicare AEP.

Make an updated medication list, write down your doctors and hospitals, watch for your Annual Notice of Change and think about how your healthcare needs have changed during the past year.

Then, once the new Medicare plans are available, you’ll be prepared to compare your options.

Medicare AEP Dates in Utah

October 15 – December 7

Changes generally become effective January 1.

If you live in Utah and would like help reviewing your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year, Professional Insurance Solutions can help you compare your Medicare options and determine what makes the most sense for you.

Get in touch today! 

801-369-3090

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.