(Iowa News Service) – People can enroll in Medicare or make changes to their supplemental and prescription drug coverage between now and December 7.  In Iowa, experts are also reminding people to check their options when signing up for health coverage through the federal marketplace.

Iowans on Medicare will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs starting next year. Prescription drug prices on insurance plans can change from year to year. The Iowa Insurance Division’s Director for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, Kristin Griffith, said it’s important for Medicare enrollees to pay close attention to their drug plans and their supplemental or Medicare Advantage plans.

“One of the startling stats we hear is that only about 30% of people actually check their drug plan or their M.A. plan during open enrollment, which is what we have right now,” said Griffith. “For 2025, we’re seeing a lot of changes in networks that plans cover.”

About 660,000 Iowans are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.  For other health insurance, the open enrollment period in the federal health-care marketplace runs from this Friday to January 15 of next year. Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare – Employer and Individual – Dr. Rhonda Randall said in addition to checking drug prices, co-pays and other costs, it’s important to see whether a plan’s overall benefits have changed.

“Are your current benefit plans still meeting your healthcare needs and your budget needs, and has anything changed with your plan?” said Randall. “For example, is your doctor still in the plan? Is the medication you take still covered by the plan?”

Randall and other providers reminded people to look for mental health coverage options in their insurance plan, too, and whether they meet the needs of an entire family.