Have you been lazy like me when it comes to reviewing your Medicare plans? Well, this year, I didn’t have a choice. In August, I received a notice from my Part D prescription drug plan provider. It turns out they will no longer be offering any drug plans for me (or apparently anyone else) in 2026.
So, see…I really didn’t have a choice if I want to continue with my Part D coverage (and I do). And even if your plan is continuing in 2026, you may still want to check and see if you have the best coverage, which may be a matter of monthly premiums and if your drugs are on their formulary.
If you go to Medicare.gov and scroll down the homepage, you’ll find a box (see the above image) that says: Find health & drug plans. Click on the green “Find Plans Now” to be taken to a selection of providers from whom to choose. If you already have coverage and you’d like to switch to a different Part D plan, follow the prompts and you’ll be taken to an application page.
I’ve already filled mine out and “applied.” I’m waiting to hear back. But if accepted, I’ll be starting up with what’s actually a better (lower cost) plan than the one I have currently.
Since Medicare’s open enrollment period runs to December 7, now is also the time to see if your Medigap (supplemental plan with Original Medicare) is still the best plan for you. Just because it was the least expensive plan when you signed up for it doesn’t mean it’s still the least expensive.
And remember, if you have, for instance, the Medigap Plan G, each insurance provider must cover the exact same costs as all other Plan Gs. The same goes for each letter (Plan N is the same as all other Plan Ns, and so on.) The only difference is your monthly premium cost, so check them out and, if it makes sense, then apply. For Medigap plans, you will need to go to the provider’s own website to apply (once you’ve seen the options on the Medicare.gov site).
To get help with anything to do with Medicare, you can also go to Westchester County’s fabulous resource and community service: Demystifying Medicare. They also have a helpline; call 914-813-6100. They’ll be able to answer any of your questions and guide you to the best choices for you.
Happy Hunting… and hang in there (it can be frustrating)!
Susan E. Ross is founder/publisher/curator of Westchester Senior Voice print and digital magazine. She is also founder of the Booming BETTER Expo as well as a Certified Senior Advisor and part of the boomer generation. She is committed to changing the conversation about aging and discards the notion that being a certain age makes us irrelevant. Boomers and seniors are vital members of our communities and enhance the lives of those around us. Susan can be reached via email at Publisher@westchesterseniorvoice.com
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22 Oct 2025
0 Commentstime to switch your medicare plan?
Have you been lazy like me when it comes to reviewing your Medicare plans? Well, this year, I didn’t have a choice. In August, I received a notice from my Part D prescription drug plan provider. It turns out they will no longer be offering any drug plans for me (or apparently anyone else) in 2026.
So, see…I really didn’t have a choice if I want to continue with my Part D coverage (and I do). And even if your plan is continuing in 2026, you may still want to check and see if you have the best coverage, which may be a matter of monthly premiums and if your drugs are on their formulary.
If you go to Medicare.gov and scroll down the homepage, you’ll find a box (see the above image) that says: Find health & drug plans. Click on the green “Find Plans Now” to be taken to a selection of providers from whom to choose. If you already have coverage and you’d like to switch to a different Part D plan, follow the prompts and you’ll be taken to an application page.
I’ve already filled mine out and “applied.” I’m waiting to hear back. But if accepted, I’ll be starting up with what’s actually a better (lower cost) plan than the one I have currently.
Since Medicare’s open enrollment period runs to December 7, now is also the time to see if your Medigap (supplemental plan with Original Medicare) is still the best plan for you. Just because it was the least expensive plan when you signed up for it doesn’t mean it’s still the least expensive.
And remember, if you have, for instance, the Medigap Plan G, each insurance provider must cover the exact same costs as all other Plan Gs. The same goes for each letter (Plan N is the same as all other Plan Ns, and so on.) The only difference is your monthly premium cost, so check them out and, if it makes sense, then apply. For Medigap plans, you will need to go to the provider’s own website to apply (once you’ve seen the options on the Medicare.gov site).
To get help with anything to do with Medicare, you can also go to Westchester County’s fabulous resource and community service: Demystifying Medicare. They also have a helpline; call 914-813-6100. They’ll be able to answer any of your questions and guide you to the best choices for you.
Happy Hunting… and hang in there (it can be frustrating)!