topic Re: Open enrollment question in Among Friends

Open enrollment question

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:18:49 GMT

I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

Re: Open enrollment question

LuvmyLab — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:32:31 GMT

Yes, once open enrollment starts Medicare specialists can go over prices and details of the new plans for 2026. However, the plans do not go into effect until January 1. They have all the information to help you decide on the best plan for you.

Re: Open enrollment question

MJDinVegas — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:39:04 GMT

Hi, @Mom2Dogs ! We've used a broker since we move to Nevada 8 years ago. She always contacts us about what's going on so we can make appointments during the open enrollment period. We're happy with our Medicare Supplements so most of our concern is drug plan premiums and copays. In 2025 she got us both zero premiums and zero copays for most drugs; DH one or two with copays, low dollar.

ive already sent her the Rx lists we both take and we have an appointment with her the day after open enrollment starts to have our Zoom review.

Im not sure when the agents/brokers get their info but it must be earlier than the start of open enrollment as our broker is thinking she'll recommend a change in plans, at least for DH.

Might be best for her to call the agent and explain what she wants especially not having to book a second appointment.

Re: Open enrollment question

Carmie — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:39:16 GMT

I need to choose a new health insurance this coming year. My past employer is no longer offering benefits for retirees. They are dropping us and I am ticked.

I have looked to see if I can get a head start, but there is no info out yet.

Open enrollment is for RX coverage, you should check out rates every year...important to get the best benefits. Also check out Advantage Plans if you have one. Benefits are being changed for 2026. It will be worth your time to look into it and change if necessary.

It is not wise to try to choose a different supplement.

Premiums are going to be extra expensive in 2026.... especially for drug coverage because drugs are going up.

Re: Open enrollment question

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:39:23 GMT

@LuvmyLab Thanks, I think I understood that info but what I wonder if she has an appointment next week, which she does...will the agent have the 2026 prices....open enrollment would not have started yet....her appointment might not be needed until open enrollment is actually in effect.

Re: Open enrollment question

MJDinVegas — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:48:28 GMT

It would be safest to wait until open enrollment starts especially if she needs the agent's help in signing up or changing plans.

Re: Open enrollment question

elated — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:06:57 GMT

Open Enrollment starts October 15th for your information.

Re: Open enrollment question

LuvmyLab — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:18:31 GMT

Mom2Dogs, The rep will most likely have the info to give her but I don’t think she can actually sign up until open enrollment Oct 15th. I would have your friend call and verify this before her meeting.

Re: Open enrollment question

sunsets1 — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:50:40 GMT

You can go to Medicare's web site right now to look for 2026 plans. Please keep in mind that prices, formularies, doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc in network can and will change.If you use an insurance broker, it is a good idea to look at the plans available in your state before your appointment.

Re: Open enrollment question

Etoile308 — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 03:12:50 GMT

I think if there are questions then prudent thing to do is have your friend call the insurance agent's office. They would be the ones with the answer.

Re: Open enrollment question

Marp — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 03:18:30 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@LuvmyLab Thanks, I think I understood that info but what I wonder if she has an appointment next week, which she does...will the agent have the 2026 prices....open enrollment would not have started yet....her appointment might not be needed until open enrollment is actually in effect.

@Mom2Dogs, your friend should be fine. Just today I was able to go online and check out 2026 plans so if the information is available online then her agent should also have it.

Re: Open enrollment question

Carmie — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:03:14 GMT

The supplemental plans for 2026 are online because they are the same as they have been for years. They rarely change.

There is no info on 2026 Advantage Plans, through if you hve one you might hve received info from your insurance company. Many plans are being dropped and benefits are being cut.

The prices are showing for 2025 only. I have looked and there is no 2026 info out there.

Right now there is no info on exactly what the Medicare deductible for Part B is, just the projected amount. And the Medicare Part B premium and the SS cola has not been announced yet, but has been speculated.

Re: Open enrollment question

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:54:06 GMT

@elated Yes, I am aware, was asking because my friend has her appointment BEFORE that date.

Re: Open enrollment question

CalminHeart — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:06:12 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

It's a good time to start looking at prices and options.

For me, I'll stick with Medicare and a supplemental policy.

Advantage plans sound too good to be true and my opinion is they are. I know too many people who had to fight tooth and nail to get bills paid. That's the last thing I want to do.

Remember, medicare supplemental policies are government regulated. You get the same benefits no matter what you pay. Stick with a reputable company but don't pay more than others for the same plan.

You can change your supplemental policy anytime. I changed mine in June because I was notified of a huge premium increase.

I was grandfathered into Plan F. I just changed it to Plan G and reduced my annual premium by $460. Plan G has a $180 (this year) deductible so it saves me $280 a year.

* To find medicare supplemental options in your area, set up an account at medicare.gov. You can search and see options and costs.

Re: Open enrollment question

CalminHeart — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:09:09 GMT

@Carmie wrote:
I need to choose a new health insurance this coming year. My past employer is no longer offering benefits for retirees. They are dropping us and I am ticked.

I have looked to see if I can get a head start, but there is no info out yet.

Open enrollment is for RX coverage, you should check out rates every year...important to get the best benefits. Also check out Advantage Plans if you have one. Benefits are being changed for 2026. It will be worth your time to look into it and change if necessary.

It is not wise to try to choose a different supplement.

Premiums are going to be extra expensive in 2026.... especially for drug coverage because drugs are going up.

My RX policy had ZERO premium in 2025 and $12 premium per year in 2024. It and GoodRX saved me a ton of money.

I will look into RX options since I now have a terminal illness and meds are likely to get expensive. Not sure I'll actually make a change yet.

Re: Open enrollment question

gidgetgh — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:29:38 GMT

@CalminHeart wrote:

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

It's a good time to start looking at prices and options.

For me, I'll stick with Medicare and a supplemental policy.

Advantage plans sound too good to be true and my opinion is they are. I know too many people who had to fight tooth and nail to get bills paid. That's the last thing I want to do.

Remember, medicare supplemental policies are government regulated. You get the same benefits no matter what you pay. Stick with a reputable company but don't pay more than others for the same plan.

You can change your supplemental policy anytime. I changed mine in June because I was notified of a huge premium increase.

I was grandfathered into Plan F. I just changed it to Plan G and reduced my annual premium by $460. Plan G has a $180 (this year) deductible so it saves me $280 a year.

* To find medicare supplemental options in your area, set up an account at medicare.gov. You can search and see options and costs.

@CalminHeart - but, in most states, you need to go through underwriting if you want to change your supplement plan. You can't just change, like you can with advantage plans.

Re: Open enrollment question

CalminHeart — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:30:34 GMT

@gidgetgh wrote:
@CalminHeart wrote:

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

It's a good time to start looking at prices and options.

For me, I'll stick with Medicare and a supplemental policy.

Advantage plans sound too good to be true and my opinion is they are. I know too many people who had to fight tooth and nail to get bills paid. That's the last thing I want to do.

Remember, medicare supplemental policies are government regulated. You get the same benefits no matter what you pay. Stick with a reputable company but don't pay more than others for the same plan.

You can change your supplemental policy anytime. I changed mine in June because I was notified of a huge premium increase.

I was grandfathered into Plan F. I just changed it to Plan G and reduced my annual premium by $460. Plan G has a $180 (this year) deductible so it saves me $280 a year.

* To find medicare supplemental options in your area, set up an account at medicare.gov. You can search and see options and costs.

@CalminHeart - but, in most states, you need to go through underwriting if you want to change your supplement plan. You can't just change, like you can with advantage plans.

I changed in June and had to answer a few simple high level medical questions. It wasn't a big deal for me but I can see how it could be for others.

Re: Open enrollment question

wagirl — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:19:19 GMT

I am still happy with my original Plan N but not so much with the RX plan I have so that will be one I research. Am expecting another bump in premiums. And of course medicare B with be increased.

Re: Open enrollment question

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:28:00 GMT

@wagirl My husbands drug plan was $60.ish month, for next year is has nearly doubled.

Re: Open enrollment question

Carmie — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:03:13 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@wagirl My husbands drug plan was $60.ish month, for next year is has nearly doubled.

Be sure to shop around for better drug coverage. You can change evey year. You need a list of all the RX drugs you take in order to find your best deals.