How to Make Medicare Open Enrollment Stress-Free

Supporting older adults through open enrollment

Medicare can be complicated. There are hospital plans, prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage options, and supplemental policies to consider. People often wonder: “Am I still in the right plan? Am I paying too much? Could I get more benefits?” Professionals, such as home care providers, Aging Life Care Managers®, or Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA) volunteers can help Medicare enrollees navigate their options during Medicare open enrollment.

Professionals in your community can help by:

• Assessing individual needs: Reviewing medications, upcoming care requirements, and health goals to identify coverage gaps or opportunities. This can include checking whether their doctors are in-network or if new prescriptions are covered.
• Reviewing plan options: Breaking down the differences in plans in plain language so clients can compare choices confidently by weighing the costs, benefits, and convenience.
• Guiding decision-making: Attending informational sessions or sitting with clients one-on-one to answer questions and provide context.
• Coordinating with caregivers or family members: When helpful, involving the people who support our clients to make the process collaborative and less overwhelming.

Making open enrollment work for you

The goal is to make open enrollment manageable, not stressful. By providing guidance and support, volunteers and care team professionals can help seniors:

• Choose coverage that fits their health needs and lifestyle.
• Identify opportunities to save money on premiums or prescriptions.
• Gain confidence that their plan will cover future care needs.
• Plan ahead for upcoming changes, like new medications or additional healthcare appointments.

Your next steps

Open enrollment is a chance to review your health coverage and make sure it fits your life. Talking through your options with someone who understands the process helps you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. It’s about knowing your plan matches your needs and having guidance when questions come up. As open enrollment approaches, consider connecting with your care team to start reviewing your options and make informed choices for the year ahead.