Medicare isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision. Even if our health and budget feel steady, our plan’s costs, network, drug coverage, and extra benefits can change from one year to the next. That’s why reviewing our Medicare plan annually is one of the simplest ways to protect our coverage—and potentially save money.
At Medicare Advisors, we help people compare options clearly and confidently, so we can keep our plan aligned with our needs year after year. (Website: https://medicareabc.com/ | Phone: +1 (877) 255-0284 | Email: info@mymedicareadvisors.com)
Why an annual Medicare plan review matters
A yearly Medicare review helps us confirm three key things:
- We’re not overpaying for coverage we don’t use
- Our doctors and pharmacies still fit the plan’s network and rules
- Our medications are still covered the way we expect
Below are the 3 biggest reasons to review our Medicare plan every year.
Reason 1: Plan costs can change—even if nothing else does
One of the most common surprises is that a plan we loved last year becomes more expensive this year.
When we review our plan annually, we can check:
- Monthly premiums (some plans increase, others decrease)
- Deductibles and copays for doctor visits, specialists, urgent care, and hospital stays
- Prescription costs like copays and coinsurance
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits (especially important for Medicare Advantage plans)
Even “small” changes can add up across 12 months—so an annual review helps us stay in control of our budget.
Quick tip: If we had a higher-cost year recently (more doctor visits, new meds, procedures), it’s the perfect time to re-check coverage levels.
Reason 2: Our prescriptions and formularies may be different this year
Prescription drug coverage can shift from year to year. A medication that was affordable last year may move to a different tier, require prior authorization, or become more expensive at our pharmacy.
An annual review helps us confirm:
- Our medications are still on the plan’s formulary
- The tier level hasn’t changed (which affects price)
- Our preferred pharmacy is still “in-network” for best pricing
- Any new restrictions (like step therapy or prior authorization)
If we take ongoing medications, this is often the #1 money-saving reason to review our Medicare plan yearly.
Reason 3: Provider networks and benefits can change
Many Medicare plans—especially Medicare Advantage—use provider networks. Doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies can change from year to year.
A review helps us verify:
- Our primary doctor and specialists are still in-network
- Our hospital preferences are still covered
- Referral rules or visit limits have changed
- Extra benefits still match our needs (like dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, fitness, transportation, or meal benefits)
Even if our doctors remain in-network, a plan might adjust how services are covered—so reviewing annually helps us avoid unexpected bills.
What to have ready for our yearly Medicare plan review
To make the review fast and accurate, it helps to gather:
- A list of current prescriptions (name + dosage)
- Our preferred pharmacies
- Our doctors and any specialists we see regularly
- A rough idea of our expected care next year (routine visits, procedures, etc.)
Then we compare plans based on total yearly cost—not just the monthly premium.
When should we review our Medicare plan?
The best time is typically during the annual enrollment periods when plan changes and comparisons matter most. But even outside those windows, reviewing our coverage can help us understand where we stand and prepare for the next enrollment season.
Get a free Medicare plan review with Medicare Advisors
If we want to be sure our Medicare plan still fits our health needs and budget, Medicare Advisors can help us compare options and understand the fine print—without confusion.
- Website: https://medicareabc.com/
- Phone: +1 (877) 255-0284
- Email: info@mymedicareadvisors.com
