Medicare Open Enrollment happens every October. In 2025, the enrollment period begins on October 15th! If you’re a family member supporting aging parents or relatives, open enrollment is a crucial time to review and potentially adjust Medicare coverage. At tendercare, we understand the complexities of managing care for loved ones, so we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Medicare Open Enrollment process.
And don't forget: add Medicare cards to the tendercare app so you always have them at your fingertips.
📆 Open Enrollment, typically running from mid-October to the beginning of December, is the annual opportunity to:
Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Change Medicare Advantage plans
Join, switch, or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage
Reviewing coverage annually ensures your loved ones have the best plan for their evolving health needs and budget.
1. Review Current Coverage
📋 Assess your loved one's current plan and any changes for 2025
📊 Analyze out-of-pocket costs from the past year
2. Evaluate Health Needs
🩺Consider any new diagnoses or anticipated procedures
💊 Review current medications and potential changes
3. Compare Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
🏥 Consider provider networks and freedom of choice
💰 Evaluate costs, including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums
🌎 Think about coverage for travel, if applicable
4. Use Medicare.gov Tools
🖥️ Preview new year options using the Plan Finder tool
📊 Compare costs and coverage across multiple plans
5. Consider Additional Benefits
🦷 Look for dental, vision, or hearing coverage if needed
🍎 Check for wellness programs or gym memberships
6. Get Expert Help
📞 Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE
🏛️ Reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
🗂️ Use the tendercare Vault to securely store Medicare ID cards, documents, and other information
⏰ Set reminders for important enrollment deadlines
👥 Share plan details with other family members through tendercare's collaboration features
Pro Tip: If your loved one's income is below $22,591 a year ($30,661 for married couples), look into applying for "Extra Help" with prescription drug costs. Visit ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213 for more information.
Here's a quick comparison to help you understand the key differences:
Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
Doctor & Hospital Choice | Can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. No referrals needed for specialists. | Often limited to doctors and providers in the plan's network and service area. May need referrals for specialists. |
Costs | Pay 20% coinsurance for Part B services after meeting deductible. No yearly out-of-pocket limit unless you have supplemental coverage. Can buy Medigap to cover out-of-pocket costs. | Out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. Plans have a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs. Can't buy Medigap. |
Coverage | Covers most medically necessary services. Doesn't cover some services like routine physical exams. Can join a separate drug plan for Part D coverage. | Must cover all services Original Medicare covers. May offer extra benefits. Drug coverage is usually included. |
Foreign Travel | Generally doesn't cover care outside the U.S. May be able to buy Medigap for emergency care abroad. | Generally doesn't cover care outside the U.S. Some plans may offer limited coverage for emergencies abroad. |
Remember, the best Medicare choice depends on individual circumstances. Use this guide and tendercare organizational tools to make an informed decision for your loved one's healthcare needs each year.
Have questions about using tendercare to manage Medicare information? Our community is here to help!
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