Grand Island Resident's Guide to Medicare Annual Election Period

The Medicare Annual Election Period (October 15 - December 7) is your yearly opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, add or drop Part D prescription coverage, or adjust your Medicare Supplement. Changes take effect January 1.

Grand Island families need to understand this window because Medicare plans change their costs and coverage every year. What worked for you last year might not be the best option now. With 44 years helping Nebraska residents navigate Medicare, we know the decisions that matter most during this critical enrollment period.

You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. You can also change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another if you find better coverage or lower costs. If you have Part D prescription coverage, you can switch to a different Part D plan or drop drug coverage entirely if you have other creditable coverage.

However, you cannot change Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans during this period unless you're switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. In that case, you have a special enrollment right to buy certain Medigap plans. Understanding Medicare coverage options in Grand Island helps you make the most of this enrollment window.

Start by checking the Annual Notice of Change letter that your plan sends in late September. This letter shows what's changing for next year, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and covered drugs. Compare these changes to your actual healthcare use over the past year to see if your current plan still meets your needs.

Make a list of your doctors and verify they're still in your plan's network for next year. List all your prescriptions and check whether they're still covered and at what tier. Add up your estimated costs for the coming year based on the new rates. This information helps you decide whether to keep your current coverage or shop for something better.

Don't wait until December to review your options. Plans send their Annual Notice of Change letters by September 30, giving you time to compare alternatives before the enrollment period starts October 15. Early October is the ideal time to start your review so you can make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of a deadline.

If you decide to make changes, you can do so anytime between October 15 and December 7. Your new coverage starts January 1, regardless of when during the enrollment period you make your choice. Review available insurance carriers serving Grand Island early in the process to understand all your options thoroughly.

Grand Island's steady population growth and expanding healthcare infrastructure have attracted more Medicare plan options to central Nebraska. CHI Health St. Francis, plus numerous primary care clinics and specialty practices, give Grand Island residents good access to quality healthcare. Most Medicare Advantage plans in the area have built networks around these local providers.

The city's agricultural economy and growing manufacturing sector mean many residents transitioning to Medicare have worked in physically demanding jobs. This often translates to higher healthcare needs during retirement. Plans with lower out-of-pocket maximums and strong coverage for orthopedic care, physical therapy, and chronic condition management often provide better value for Grand Island residents than plans focused solely on low premiums. Call our office at (402) 421-2936 to discuss which coverage approaches work best for your specific health situation.

If you miss the December 7 deadline, you'll typically have to wait until next year's Annual Election Period to make changes. There are exceptions if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help with prescription costs. But these situations are specific and don't apply to everyone.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) offers a second chance, but only if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this period, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare with Part D coverage. Since 1981, Secure Retirement Solutions has helped thousands of Nebraska families avoid coverage gaps by planning ahead and meeting enrollment deadlines with confidence.