Reviewing your Medicare coverage might not top your fall to-do list, but it deserves a spot. Your healthcare needs and budget matter, and a little preparation can help you approach your options with confidence.

Whether you’re reviewing your own coverage or helping a loved one, use this Medicare Open Enrollment checklist to take things one step at a time.

 

Know When to Review Your Coverage

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people with Medicare can review and change Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes made during the enrollment period generally take effect on January 1 of the following year.

 

Gather Your Information

Before comparing plans, collect your Medicare card, current insurance information, prescription list and names of your doctors and preferred pharmacies. Include each medication’s dosage and how often you take it. Having everything together makes it easier to compare options based on your actual needs—not just an advertised monthly price.

 

Review Your Current Coverage

If you have Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan, read your Annual Notice of Change. This document explains upcoming changes to your plan’s costs, benefits and coverage. Even if your plan worked well this year, check whether it will still meet your needs next year.

 

Check Doctors and Prescriptions

Considering Medicare Advantage for extra benefits like vision, hearing and dental? Confirm that your preferred doctors and hospitals participate in the specific plan’s network. For prescription coverage, check that your medications appear on the plan’s covered-drug list. Compare costs at your preferred pharmacies, too. Don’t assume your current arrangements will stay the same next year.

 

Compare the Full Cost

A low monthly premium is only one piece of the picture. Review deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and prescription expenses. Use Medicare’s Plan Finder to compare available plans and estimate medication costs. Think about your expected appointments and ongoing care when deciding what fits your budget. The goal is coverage that works for both your health and your wallet.

 

Ask for Trusted Help

You don’t have to figure everything out alone. You can speak with our licensed insurance agent who can walk you through Medicare options with confidence. Our Medicare Guidance Services are free, and there’s never a requirement to enroll in any specific plan.* We can help you identify these options and make the most of your coverage during Open Enrollment.

Make Your Decision Before the Deadline

If you choose a different plan, submit your enrollment by December 7 and save your confirmation. If your current plan still meets your needs and remains available, you generally don’t need to re-enroll. Either way, reviewing your options helps you make an informed decision rather than leaving coverage on autopilot.

 

Take the Next Step with Confidence

At Partner Colorado, we believe financial well-being starts with feeling informed. Set aside time, bring your questions and work through this checklist at your own pace. You deserve to feel comfortable with your next step.


*This is an advertisement for an insurance product. Insurance products are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured and are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union. Effective February 12, 2026, Partner Colorado Credit Union will have a licensed insurance agent on staff to provide assistance with Medicare products. The credit union is collaborating with The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make insurance products and services available to credit union members. All credit union products and services are subject to change without notice. Member Eligibility Required. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. Services only available in Colorado. By emailing us or calling us at 303.422.6221, you are giving permission to have a licensed insurance agent contact you by email, telephone or cell phone to provide information and to answer your Medicare plan options. Your consent is voluntary and allows us to contact you via email, text messaging, artificial or prerecorded voice messages, or automatic dialing for marketing purposes. You may contact us to change your preferences at any time. Data use charges and rates from your cellular carrier may apply.