Is there a time each year to change my Medicare plan?

Yes. Every fall from October 15 to December 7, anyone with Medicare can change Advantage plans, change Part D plans, or move between Original Medicare and Advantage. Whatever you pick takes effect January 1.

More detail

Here's a common situation. Your plan mails you an Annual Notice of Change by September 30. It lists what changes in January: costs, covered drugs, doctors in the network, even the service area. Many people put it in a drawer, then find out in January that a copay went up or a drug moved to a higher tier.

The mistake to avoid is assuming your plan stays the same every year. If you're happy with it and it's still offered, you don't have to do anything. But it's worth a fresh look each fall.

One more thing: if you leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and want a Medicare Supplement, the company may ask health questions unless you have a special right to buy one.

What to have ready: • Your Annual Notice of Change • Your current list of drugs, doses and pharmacies • The names of your doctors

Each fall I'm glad to go over your notice with you and compare your options side by side.