“Seniors have less than a week to review and adjust their Medicare coverage—and experts warn that last year’s plan may not be your best option this year.”
The clock is ticking for Medicare beneficiaries across the Chicago area. With the annual enrollment period set to close on December 7th, seniors age 65 and older have just days remaining to review their Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans for 2026—and experts are warning that assuming your current plan is still the best choice could be a costly mistake.
A Critical Window Closing Fast
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which began on October 15th, gives beneficiaries their once-a-year opportunity to make changes to their Medicare coverage. This seven-week window allows seniors to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, add or drop prescription drug coverage, or make other adjustments to ensure their healthcare needs are properly covered.
But with December 7th rapidly approaching, many seniors may not realize just how little time remains to make informed decisions about their healthcare for the coming year.
Why Last Year’s Plan May Not Work This Year
One of the most dangerous assumptions seniors can make is that their current plan will continue to meet their needs in 2026. Medicare plans change annually, and what worked well last year may no longer be the best—or even an adequate—option.
Insurance providers routinely adjust their plan offerings each year. Premiums can increase, copays and deductibles may change, prescription drug formularies are updated, and provider networks can be modified. A medication that was covered at a low cost last year might have a higher copay or require prior authorization in the new year. A doctor who was in-network may no longer be covered under your plan.
The Cost of Inaction
For many seniors living on fixed incomes, healthcare costs represent one of their largest expenses. Choosing the wrong plan—or failing to switch to a better option—can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unnecessary out-of-pocket costs over the course of a year.
Beyond the financial impact, inadequate coverage can affect health outcomes. Seniors who discover too late that their medications aren’t covered or that their preferred doctors are out of network may delay necessary care, skip medications, or face unexpected medical bills that strain their budgets.
Expert Help Is Available
Recognizing the challenges seniors face during this critical enrollment period, local Medicare specialist Ken is offering personalized assistance to help community members find the coverage that best fits their individual needs and circumstances.
“Don’t assume what you had last year is good this year because it probably won’t be,” Ken emphasizes. “Call now to find out the truth concerning your health—it’s too important to leave to chance.”
Ken can be reached at 773-559-1200, where he provides guidance on Medicare and Medicare Advantage options. His tagline, “Ken Cares,” reflects a commitment to helping seniors navigate the often-confusing world of Medicare coverage.
A consultation with a Medicare specialist can help seniors:
- Compare plan options available in their area
- Understand changes to their current plan
- Evaluate prescription drug coverage
- Review provider networks
- Calculate total expected costs
- Identify potential savings opportunities
What Seniors Need to Know
If you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare, here’s what you need to know about the remaining days of the annual enrollment period:
Changes take effect January 1st. Any plan changes made during this enrollment period will go into effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring continuous coverage without gaps.
You can’t make changes later. Once the annual enrollment period closes on December 7th, most seniors won’t be able to make changes to their Medicare coverage until the next annual enrollment period in fall 2026, unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to specific life circumstances.
Your Health Can’t Wait
Healthcare is too important to leave to chance, and the decisions you make—or don’t make—during this annual enrollment period will affect your coverage and costs for the entire year ahead.
Don’t let the December 7th deadline pass without taking action. Review your options, ask questions, and make sure you’re getting the Medicare coverage that best serves your health needs and financial situation.
The enrollment period is ending, but there’s still time to make an informed choice. Make that call today!
Ken Cares
773-559-1200
Medicare guidance for Chicago-area seniors
3:16 Magazine encourages our senior readers to take advantage of the remaining days of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period to review their healthcare coverage options.
