Des Moines, IA – Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries are provided an opportunity to review and change their Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from October 15 to December 7.   It’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to remember that Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage Plan costs, benefits, and providers can change each year, so evaluating your options could help you find better coverage, and even save money.

Medicare beneficiaries will receive information about any plan changes in the mail. Most will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September from your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan.  This is a summary of any changes in the plan’s cost, coverage and service area that will take effect on January 1 of the next year.  Other Medicare beneficiaries could receive information that their plan may not be renewed for the next year, and they will need to find a new plan during the Open Enrollment Period. It is critical to ensure that all mail from your plan is read to stay informed about all possible changes.

“Navigating the Open Enrollment Period can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone,” said Kristin Griffith, Director of the Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).  “We have well trained SHIIP/SMP counselors across the state equipped to help you with this process.”  Iowans seeking assistance can visit shiip.iowa.gov to find a counselor in their county, or find additional information on how to compare plans at shiip.iowa.gov/medicare-open-enrollment-period.

“There are a number of changes for Medicare beneficiaries to be aware of occurring in 2025 that are a result of the adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.” Griffith added.  “These include a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug spending as well as the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.”  A summary of those changes can be found at the Iowa SHIIP website.

Key dates to remember:

October 15th Open Enrollment Begins

December 7th  Open Enrollment Ends

January 1st    Coverage Begins

If you’re currently a Medicare beneficiaries and have reviewed your plan changes and are happy with your current coverage, you don’t need to do anything during the Open Enrollment.  Help from Medicare is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

SHIIP/ SMP provides counseling, assistance and education to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.  These programs help people navigate the complexities of Medicare and related insurances and prevent Medicare fraud.  SHIIP and SMP are operated by the Iowa Insurance Division, and supported by federal funds.