Annual Open Enrollment runs from October 15th to December 7th. But most people wait until October to think about Medicare changes. Waiting often leads to rushed decisions and long appointment wait times.

That’s why August is the perfect month to prepare without any stress. Taking a few simple steps now puts you ahead of the fall rush. Follow this quick three-step checklist to smoothly prepare for upcoming plan changes.

1. Build Your Prescription Inventory

Prescription rules and costs change every year. Gather an accurate list of all your current medications now, including the exact brand names, daily doses, and monthly refill quantities. Having these details organized saves significant time when new 2027 plan rules drop on October 1st.

2. List Your Must-Have Providers

Your health needs might have changed over the past year. Make a quick list of all the primary care doctors and specialists you visit regularly. Include preferred hospital networks and local pharmacy choices. This list helps us verify in-network access as soon as new plans launch.

3. Mark September 30th on Your Calendar

Insurance carriers mail out an Annual Notice of Change packet every September. This document details upcoming changes to premiums, copays, and coverage for the next year. Mark this date and watch your mailbox carefully for important carrier updates.

Beat the Fall Rush with KSS Insurance

Preparing early guarantees a seamless Open Enrollment experience. At KSS Insurance, we help clients across Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Florida. We serve 22 states nationwide!

As independent agents, we work directly for you rather than the insurance companies. Contact Steve and Karl with your questions, or to schedule a Medicare review during open enrollment.