By: Heidi Eisner 

Every year, Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is October 15 – December 7. 

Medicare open enrollment allows you to make changes each year to your Medicare health and drug plans.   The changes you make could affect cost, coverage and what providers and pharmacies are in your networks.  The changes that you make start on January 1,2025.   

If you are on Medicare, you should review your plans every year.  We all know that your prescriptions can change throughout the year.  Some medications are very expensive, so the open enrollment period allows you the opportunity to find a plan that may lower your costs.  That is something that we are all looking for.   

Plans for 2025 will be available at the beginning of October.  Here are some ways that you can review new plan options: 

• Medicare Plan Finder: 

• www.Medicare.gov/plan-compare/   The plan finder allows you to see what is available in your area.  You will need to create an account and enter your medications, and it will show you all the plans that are available in your area and the costs. 

• Aging and Disability Resources Centers (ADRC): 

• Elder Benefit Specialists (EBS): EBS are located at the ADRC within your county.  They offer unbiased information and can assist you in finding the plan that is best for you. The EBS in your county can be located at the following site.  Find an Elder Benefit Specialist here. 

• Medicare  

• You can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-Medicare. 

Open Enrollment Fraud and Scams 

TV ads, mailings, and phone calls increase during open enrollment.  The increase in these ads, mailings, and phone calls also increases the chance for fraud and scams.  These fraudsters/scammers may pose as insurance providers offering free gifts and plans with extras, and they try to get your personal information.  With the information collected they may fraudulently bill Medicare for products and services under your Medicare account.

Here are some tips to help avoid fraud/scams during open enrollment: 

• Be suspicious of phone calls, emails, or visits promoting a Medicare plan. 

• Health plans can only contact you if you’ve requested information or you already have a relationship with them. 

• Never give out personal information to anyone who calls or visits out of the blue. 

If you feel that you were subject to a Medicare fraud/scam contact Senior Medicare Patrol to report the fraud/scam.