Medicare open enrollment period continues through December 7; Iowa Medicare plan beneficiaries encouraged to evaluate and make necessary changes to coverage plans
from the Iowa Insurance Division
Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries are provided an opportunity to review and change their Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from October 15 through December 7. It’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to remember that Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage Plan costs, benefits, and providers can change each year, so evaluating your options could help you find better coverage, and even save money.
Medicare beneficiaries have received information about any plan changes in the mail. Most should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September from your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan. This is a summary of any changes in the plan’s cost, coverage and service area that will take effect January 1 of the next year.
Other Medicare beneficiaries could receive information that their plan may not be renewed for the next year, and they will need to find a new plan during the Open Enrollment Period. It is critical to ensure that all mail from your plan is read to stay informed about all possible changes.
Iowans seeking assistance can visit shiip.iowa.gov to find a counselor in their county, or find additional information on how to compare plans at shiip.iowa.gov/medicare-open-enrollment-period.
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers are available locally at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH). Nancy Schoh, Jim Johnson and Vicki Bloxham are trained and available to meet individually with anyone in the community who wishes to compare the Medicare Part D plans available for 2026. Appointments are required. Feel free to call Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411 to schedule your appointment. You will need to bring your Medicare card, current Part D plan card and a list of your medications from your pharmacy.
If you’re currently a Medicare beneficiary and have reviewed your plan changes and are happy with your current coverage, you don’t need to do anything during the Open Enrollment. Help from Medicare is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except some federal holidays at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or locally call VMH at 563-568-3411 to make an appointment with a SHIIP counselor.
