Get your motor running, head out on the highway, for Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment, October 15 -December 7. It is, for most people, the only time of year you’re allowed to change your Part D prescription plan.
Please look at your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that arrived from your insurance provider in September. It tells you exactly what your plan is changing, helping you to decide if you wish to stay, or look for something better. There are important reasons for that this year!
On January 1, 2027, the Part D prescription plan subsidy is ending. We’re told that there will be an estimated $10 increase per month. Medication costs and med coverage may change too. We won’t know until October 15 if any $0 premium plans will be available for 2027.
If you’re planning to meet with a SHIP Counselor this year, you need to know that there is enhanced security at Medicare.gov. For us to help you log in, we’ll need your ID, your red, white and blue Medicare card, your cell phone, and your list of meds and doctors. If you’ve used Login.gov, ID.me or CLEAR to access Medicare.gov, you must bring that login and password, too. Without these items, only 1-800-Medicare can access your account to directly assist you.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), formerly known as MMAP, has offices in every Michigan county. Call today! Statewide number: 800-803-7174. Residents of Calhoun County can call (269) 966-2450 to schedule with CareWell Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Barry and Calhoun counties. SHIP is a free, unbiased Medicare counseling service provided to you via local, state, and federal grants.