Made Changes to Your Medicare Plan? Here’s How to Get Ready for January 1

If you made changes to your Medicare coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) your new plan will go into effect January 1, so this is the time to get organized so your new benefits start smoothly.

Even if you didn’t make any changes, your current plan may have—and those updates also begin January 1. It’s important to review your documents carefully to avoid surprises at the pharmacy or doctor’s office.

Here are the key steps everyone should take now to be ready.

1. Watch for New ID Cards and Welcome Packets

Tip: Make sure your mailing address is current with your plan so your card and documents don’t get lost.

2. Read Through Your Plan Details

(Yes, Really!)

Even if you've had Medicare for years, it's worth taking time to review the details of your new or updated plan. Look closely at:

• Which doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in-network 
• Your costs for office visits, urgent care, and hospital stays 
• How your copays, coinsurance, and deductibles work 
• Your pharmacy network and prescription drug coverage
  

Didn’t change plans? Still review your materials—existing plans can change their benefits, premiums, or drug coverage each year.

3. Double-Check Prescription Drug Coverage

Tip: To create an account on Medicare.gov and search for Part D plans in your area, visit our helpful step-by-step guide HERE. 

If something changed, talk to your doctor—there may be an alternative medication covered under your new plan or a way to file for an exception.

4. Confirm Your Providers Are In-Network

Before scheduling appointments in January, verify that your primary care doctor and any specialists accept your new plan. This is especially important if:

• You enrolled in a new Medicare Advantage plan 
• Your insurer changed networks or provider contracts
  

5. Hold Onto Your Current ID Card Through December

Even though your new coverage starts January 1, keep your 2025 ID card on hand until the year ends. If you need care in December, providers will need your current insurance information.

6. Review Premium Payments and Billing

7. Keep Key Contact Info Handy

• Beuttel Insurance—we’re just a phone call away and happy to help you understand your plan.  530-303-3366 .
• Your plan’s customer service number 
• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Final Thoughts....

Whether you made changes to your Medicare coverage or your existing plan simply updated its benefits, January 1 is an important date for your health care coverage.  Preparing now ensures you don’t run into coverage issues, prescription problems, or billing surprises.

If anything in your plan feels unclear, we’re here for you!  Let’s walk through it together so you can enter the new year feeling covered with confidence.   

If your plan is cancelling on December 31st and you did not enroll into a new plan yet, you still have time to get a new plan. 

Call us to schedule a benefits review to find a plan that will meet your coverage needs and budget.  Contact our office at (530) 303-3366 - or, schedule a benefits review on our Calendar by December 7th.