Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here
October 15 – December 7, 2026
Looking at the Bigger Picture of Care
At Trusted Path, we believe that good care management means looking at the whole picture, not just someone’s immediate medical needs.
Healthcare coverage, medications, living arrangements, and community resources all play an important role in a person’s overall well-being. By taking a comprehensive approach, we can often identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenses, avoid gaps in care, and help families make the most of the resources available to them.
Reviewing Medicare coverage annually is one simple but important example.
With Medicare Open Enrollment underway, we encourage all our clients, families, and community members with Medicare to review their current coverage, even if they’re happy with their plan.
Medicare plans can change from year to year, and a plan that worked well in 2026 may not offer the same benefits or coverage in 2027.
What Should You Review?
As you evaluate your Medicare coverage, consider:
Doctors and specialists: Are your preferred healthcare providers and hospitals still covered?
Prescription medications: Are your medications still covered, and have your costs changed?
Healthcare expenses: Have your premiums, deductibles, or copayments increased?
Future healthcare needs: Does your plan provide the flexibility you may need if your health changes?
A Quick Word About Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing services.
While these additional benefits can be appealing, there are important factors to consider:
Provider networks: Are your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals covered under your plan?
New diagnoses or changing healthcare needs: If you develop a new medical condition, you may want to see a particular specialist or seek care at a specialized medical center that is not in your plan’s network. This could limit your options or result in additional costs.
Traveling or spending time away from home: Many Medicare Advantage plans have regional provider networks. If you travel frequently, spend part of the year in another state, or need medical care while visiting family, you may have limited access to in-network providers. Emergency and urgently needed care are generally covered when traveling within the United States, but routine care and follow-up appointments outside your plan’s network may not be covered or may cost more.
Prescription medications: A medication you currently take or one prescribed following a new diagnosis may not be covered by your plan’s drug formulary or may require prior authorization, potentially leading to delays or higher costs.
Prior authorizations: Some treatments, procedures, rehabilitation services, and medications may require insurance approval before they are covered.
Out-of-pocket expenses: Review your copays, deductibles, and annual out-of-pocket maximum.
One important consideration: Your healthcare needs today may look very different a year from now. When reviewing Medicare coverage, it’s important to think not only about your current health but also about the flexibility you may need if an unexpected diagnosis, hospitalization, or travel-related healthcare need arises.
Original Medicare generally allows you to see any healthcare provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans may restrict nonemergency care to certain networks or service areas.
Original Medicare also has different cost-sharing rules and no annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part A and Part B services, so it is important to compare the full costs and benefits of each option, including whether supplemental coverage is available.
There is no single Medicare plan that is right for everyone.
If you are considering switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, be aware that you may not always qualify to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without medical underwriting. A SHIP counselor can help you understand the rules that apply to your situation.
Did You Know Free Medicare Counseling Is Available?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help individuals and families understand their options.
SHIP counselors can help you:
Review your current Medicare coverage.
Compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
Understand potential changes to benefits and costs.
Explore programs that may help lower Medicare expenses.
Understand the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies.
Howard County Residents: Contact SHIP at 410-313-7392
Outside Howard County? Visit [shiphelp.org](https://www.shiphelp.org/) or call 1-877-839-2675 to find your local SHIP program.
A Friendly Reminder
Taking time to understand your Medicare coverage today can help prevent unexpected challenges tomorrow.
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2026.
Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.
Interested in Learning More About Trusted Path?
Navigating the healthcare system and the challenges of aging can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.
At Trusted Path, our nurse-led Aging Life Care Management team helps older adults and their families navigate complex healthcare needs, coordinate care, plan ahead, and connect with valuable resources.
Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis, managing multiple medical conditions, or simply looking for guidance to help a loved one age safely and confidently, we’re here to help.
Interested in becoming a Trusted Path client?
We invite you to schedule an introductory consultation to learn more about our services and how we may be able to support you and your family.
https://calendly.com/yourtrustedpath/30min
Warmly,
The Trusted Path Team
Nurse-Led Geriatric Care Management
Helping older adults and families navigate aging with confidence.