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October is a critical time to review your Medicare coverage. Starting October 1, you can begin comparing your current Medicare coverage — whether Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or a Medicare drug plan — against other options available for the coming year. Start by reviewing your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which your plan mailed in September. It explains changes to your plan's costs and coverage that will take effect January 1. Pay attention to any changes that could affect you, and we can help you compare your current coverage with other available options to see how well it may meet your needs in the coming year.

Beginning October 15, Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) officially opens. During this time, you can enroll in, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. AEP continues through December 7, and changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.

Contact our office today to schedule time to walk through your choices. We will help you make a confident decision before AEP ends on December 7.

During Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, your mailbox, phone, and television may be filled with messages about coverage. Scammers take advantage of that activity, hoping their pitch will blend in with legitimate plan information.

AEP runs from October 15 through December 7. While you're reviewing your options, someone may call claiming you need a replacement Medicare card, must verify your information to keep your benefits, or qualify for something “free.” The goal may be to steal your Medicare number, personal information, or money. An unexpected request for sensitive information deserves a pause.

Artificial intelligence is making these schemes harder to recognize. Criminals can use AI to write convincing emails and create realistic voices, including imitations made from short recordings. A message may sound professional, contain no obvious spelling mistakes, or even resemble someone you know. Those familiar warning signs are no longer enough.

This doesn't mean every unfamiliar call is fraudulent. It means a convincing voice, official-looking logo, or familiar caller ID isn't proof of identity. Scammers can disguise phone numbers and use personal details to make their stories seem credible. Pressure to act immediately, threats about losing coverage, or demands for payment are reasons to stop the conversation.

Protect your Medicare number as carefully as your banking information. Don't share it with an unexpected caller or enter it through a link in an unsolicited message. Medicare won't contact you out of the blue to demand payment for a new card. If something seems questionable, hang up and call our office, your plan, or Medicare using a number you already trust.

If you've already shared information, act promptly. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report suspected misuse of your Medicare number, and contact your bank if financial information was involved. Review your Medicare or plan statements for services you don't recognize.

Annual enrollment is an opportunity to review your coverage thoughtfully. Contact our office with questions about a message or offer before responding. A little verification can help protect both your information and your coverage.

If you spend part of the year in one state and part in another, you may be what's often called a "snowbird." This lifestyle has plenty of advantages, but it can complicate your Medicare coverage. It takes a bit of extra planning (and some guidance from us) to make sure your benefits are available to you when (and where) you need them.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) works nationwide with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, with no networks or referrals required.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans also offer flexibility, covering you with any Medicare-participating provider in the U.S. Prices can vary by state, and your options after a permanent move depend on your state and situation.

Medicare Advantage plans usually have local service areas and networks that may not extend to your second home. A PPO may offer some out-of-network coverage; an HMO usually doesn't. Plans are required to cover emergency and urgently needed care outside the service area, but routine care may cost more or not be covered.

Part D prescription drug plans rely on pharmacy networks, so look for nationwide pharmacy access or a mail-order option. Before traveling, ask whether your plan allows a vacation supply.

Note that Medicare requires one primary residence , typically the address on your taxes, driver's license, and voter registration. This determines your eligibility for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. A permanent move (not a seasonal stay) generally qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans. Telehealth can help you stay in touch with your regular doctor for follow-ups or medication management while you're away, though it's no substitute for in-person emergency care.

Networks, drug lists, and costs can change each year, so review your coverage and talk to us during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7. If you split your time between states, we can help make sure you have coverage that works in both locations.