"You may delay, but time will not."
"I'm POA now and have no idea if my dad's Medicare setup is too much or not enough."
I saw this comment in a caregiver Facebook group earlier last week…just days before Medicare Open Enrollment starts on October 15.
It stuck with me.
Not just because they were asking for help (that takes courage).
But because they were asking right as the clock is about to start, and didn’t even know where to begin.
Over the years, I’ve seen families of patients run into the same issues.
Especially around this time of year.
Even well-intentioned plans can fall short when the details get overlooked or misunderstood.
🗓️ Why Medicare Open Enrollment Actually Matters
October 15–December 7 is your only window to switch or review Medicare plans for 2026 coverage.
Miss it, and you’re locked into your 2026 plan choices (unless a limited exception applies).
Here’s what catches people off guard:
Even “good” plans can change without warning.
Networks shrink
Copays increase
Drugs get bumped to higher tiers
Premiums climb quietly
And one wrong move (like canceling a Medigap supplement) can permanently limit your parent’s future coverage options.
This isn’t about fear…
It’s about being strategic during the one season where you actually have control.
1. Start with What They Already Have
Before you can change anything, know the baseline.
Do they have:
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)?
A Medigap (supplemental) plan?
A Medicare Advantage plan?
Part D prescription drug coverage?
Look at their insurance cards.
Pull the Annual Notice of Change letter.
Call the plan if you need to.
2. Don’t Drop Medigap Without a Plan
This is major!
Switching from Medigap to Advantage might seem cheaper… but it’s often irreversible.
Once dropped, Medigap plans can deny re-entry based on health status.
If your loved one has developed new conditions, they may be locked out…for good.
Before making changes:
🔍 Talk to a SHIP counselor or Medicare advisor.
📞 It’s free. And it could save you thousands.
3. Medicare Advantage = Tradeoffs, Not Always a Trap
A lot of people are deeply skeptical of Medicare Advantage plans, and for good reason.
Some plans market aggressively, overpromise, and leave families hanging when care is denied or doctors are suddenly out-of-network.
But Med Advantage isn’t always bad. Like most things in life, context is key.
It really depends on your loved one’s situation.
They work best when:
Your parent stays local
They’re fine with in-network doctors
They want low premiums + extras (like vision or dental)
They’re risky when:
Your parent sees many specialists
They travel frequently
They want provider flexibility
🔑 The key is knowing your parent’s real needs…not just what sounds good on a pamphlet or TV ad.
4. Get Local Help (It’s Free)
Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained, unbiased counselors.
They’ll review coverage, explain options, and help compare plans for free.
Find yours at SHIPhelp.org
Also try your local Area Agency on Aging for extra Medicare support.
5. Use a Comparison Tool (It’s a Lifesaver)
Plans blur together fast…copays, deductibles, drug tiers, networks.
Use Medicare’s Plan Finder to compare plans by zip code, doctor, and meds.
Or grab a simple worksheet to map out side-by-side options.
You don’t need to memorize details.
You need a place to sort them.
📌 What You Can Do This Week
Review current coverage
Look at their card, drug list, and any changes from last year.Call your SHIP counselor
Book a 20-minute call and walk through the plan options.Forward this to another caregiver
Someone in your world is winging it. Help them avoid the same stress.
📚 Weekly Resources
📘 Book Pick:
Medicare for Dummies by Patricia Barry
A jargon-free, trusted annual guide that walks you through the different parts of Medicare, enrollment windows, and how to compare plans.
📲 Caregiver Tool:
SHIP Help | State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Find local, no-cost help to review plans, understand options, and get personalized support.
🔗 Online Tool:
Medicare Plan Finder
Search and compare plans by location, prescriptions, and preferred doctors. Helpful for organizing your options before you call a plan or counselor.
Final Word
You carry enough as a caregiver.
This Medicare window—Oct 15 to Dec 7—is your shot to avoid:
Surprise bills
Doctor changes
Drug denials
Mid-crisis insurance chaos
You don’t need to be an expert.
Just take one step now.
Because when (not if) the crisis hits, you’ll be so glad you handled this early.
With you,
Bryce
P.S.
If you haven't already, come join me on social.
I share daily tips, personal reflections, and first looks at upcoming caregiver tools and resources.
Even one post might shift your whole day—or remind you you're not doing this alone.
