Medicare open enrollment: Your annual window to fix coverage gaps

When you're on Medicare, a U.S. federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities. Also known as Original Medicare, it covers hospital and doctor visits—but it doesn't include prescription drugs or extra benefits unless you add them. That’s where Medicare open enrollment, the annual period when you can change your Medicare plan without penalty. Also known as Annual Enrollment Period, it runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This isn’t just a formality. It’s your only chance to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage, an all-in-one plan offered by private companies that bundles Part A, Part B, and often Part D. Also known as Medicare Part C, it can lower out-of-pocket costs if you pick the right one. Or you might need to add or switch your Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage that works with Original Medicare or is included in Medicare Advantage. Also known as prescription drug plan, it’s not optional if you want affordable meds like blood pressure pills, diabetes drugs, or migraine treatments. Miss this window, and you could pay more for years—either through higher premiums, bigger copays, or no coverage at all.

Many people assume their current plan stays the same every year. It doesn’t. Plans change their formularies, networks, and costs annually. A drug you took last year might get bumped to a higher tier—or dropped entirely. Your pharmacy might no longer be in-network. Your monthly premium could jump $20 or more. If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you might find your doctor left the network. Or your plan might stop covering a generic blood pressure combo you rely on. These aren’t rare surprises. They happen every year. And if you don’t review your options during open enrollment, you’re stuck until next year.

You don’t need to be a health expert to make smart choices. Start by checking your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change. Look at your top three meds—do they still have the same cost? Then compare plans using Medicare’s official tool. Don’t just pick the cheapest premium. Look at total cost: copays, deductibles, and whether your pharmacy is covered. If you take multiple prescriptions, a plan with a $0 premium might end up costing you more than a $50 plan with better drug coverage. Also, if you’ve had recent hospital stays or started new treatments, make sure your plan covers them. The same goes for supplements like feverfew for migraines or probiotics for antibiotic side effects—if you pay out of pocket for them, you might want a plan that offers wellness perks.

This isn’t about picking the fanciest plan. It’s about avoiding surprises. One person switched plans last year and saved $1,200 on their antihypertensive meds. Another found their migraine drug was no longer covered and ended up paying $400 out of pocket. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re real stories from people who waited too long. You have a limited time. Use it. Review your meds, check your pharmacies, compare your options. Don’t wait until December 6 to realize your favorite drug is gone. The changes you make now affect your health and wallet for the whole next year.

Below, you’ll find real guides on managing your meds, avoiding dangerous interactions, and making sense of your prescriptions—whether you’re on generic blood pressure pills, biosimilars, or over-the-counter supplements. These aren’t abstract tips. They’re tools you can use during open enrollment to make sure your coverage actually works for you.