Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15th through December 7th.  Now is your chance to review your Medicare choices if you’re enrolled in a private health or drug plan. You can change your plan for another or sign up for the first time.

The Medicare Rights Center  advises, “Even people who are currently happy with their plan should do so, because plans make changes to their benefit packages every year. Those enrolled in Original Medicare can also decide at this time to switch to a private plan.”

You can change your Medicare health and drug coverage without penalty now as long as you do it on or before December 7, 2014. Your new benefit plan will go into effect on January 1, 2015.

Joe Baker, President Emeritus of the Medicare Rights Center, told us, “Medicare beneficiaries need to be aware of any changes to their current plan and carefully review all of their options in time to make a decision by December 7. While reviewing your options, it is important that you contact the plan to confirm any information you find. Once you have made your decision, you can enroll in the plan by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.”

Why review your Medicare plan? Some insurance companies plan to raise monthly premiums in 2020 and that’s one big reason for you to take a look.

It’s also a good idea to review the medications the insurer plans to cover in 2020

 They may drop your medication and that’s a pretty good reason to seek out another company.  The booklet they sent you announcing changes should include the “formulary.” That’s what insurers call their list of covered medications.

It may contain only a partial list, so it’s wise to follow the instructions they offer and try to communicate with a representative to find out if the plan includes what you need for 2020

We provide tips to figure out the key things to consider in your Part D plan in ConsumerMojo’s post Why Change Your Medicare Part D Plan?