Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist 2025

📋 Phase 1: Pre-Enrollment Preparation

Gather Essential Documents & Information

📄 Documents You'll Need:

💊 Create Your Medication List:

For each medication, include:

• Exact medication name (generic & brand)

• Dosage strength (mg, mcg, etc.)

• Quantity taken per month

• Dosage form (tablet, capsule, liquid)

• Prescribing doctor

• Current monthly cost

🏥 Review Your Healthcare Providers:

List primary care physician name and addressList all specialists you see regularlyNote preferred hospitals or medical facilitiesIdentify any scheduled procedures or treatments for 2025

🔍 Phase 2: Review Your Current Coverage

⚖️ Phase 3: Compare All Available Options

🔎 Using Medicare.gov Plan Finder

The official Medicare Plan Finder tool is the most comprehensive way to compare all available options:

Visit Medicare.gov and access Plan FinderEnter your ZIP code and confirm Medicare eligibilityAdd ALL your current medications with exact dosagesSelect preferred pharmaciesReview all plan options (Medicare Advantage and Part D)Sort by total estimated annual cost

🎯 Key Comparison Points:

• Total annual cost (not just premium)

• Drug formulary coverage

• Doctor/hospital networks

• Pharmacy networks and mail-order

• Plan star ratings

• Prior authorization requirements

✅ Phase 4: Make Your Decision

🎯 Final Decision Criteria

Select the plan with the LOWEST total annual cost for your situationConfirm all your medications will be coveredVerify your doctors are in-networkCheck plan star ratings (aim for 4+ stars)Consider potential health changes for 2025

💡 Pro Tip:

Don't just pick the lowest premium. The plan with a $30/month premium but $150 drug copays may cost more than a $80/month premium plan with $20 copays.

📝 Ready to Enroll?

Before you finalize your enrollment:

Double-check all plan details one final timeHave your payment method ready (bank account or credit card)Set aside 30-45 minutes to complete enrollmentEnsure you're enrolling before the December 7 deadline

🚀 Phase 5: Complete Enrollment

📞 Enrollment Methods

🌐

Online

Medicare.gov or plan websites 24/7

📞

By Phone

1-800-MEDICARE or plan directly

👤

With Agent

Licensed insurance agent assistance

✅ Post-Enrollment Checklist

Get confirmation number and enrollment effective dateSave/print enrollment confirmation for your recordsWatch for new plan materials in the mailContact current plan to confirm disenrollment (if changing)Update pharmacy with new plan informationInform all doctors of your new planMark calendar for next year's Open Enrollment period

❌ Common Open Enrollment Mistakes to Avoid

Procrastination

Waiting until December means limited plan availability and rushed decisions.

Premium-Only Focus

The cheapest premium often has the highest out-of-pocket costs.

Not Checking Networks

Your doctors might not be covered by the new plan you're considering.

Ignoring Drug Coverage

Not verifying your medications are covered can cost thousands.

Assuming "Same is Fine"

Plans change every year - what worked in 2024 may not work in 2025.

Missing the Deadline

No exceptions to December 7 deadline - you'll be stuck for all of 2025.

⏰ Time-Sensitive Reminders

📋 Phase 1: Pre-Enrollment Preparation

Gather Essential Documents & Information

📄 Documents You'll Need:

💊 Create Your Medication List:

🏥 Review Your Healthcare Providers:

🔍 Phase 2: Review Your Current Coverage

📑 Analyze Your 2024 Plan Performance

💰 Cost Analysis:

📋 Coverage Assessment:

📬 Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

⚖️ Phase 3: Compare All Available Options

🔎 Using Medicare.gov Plan Finder

🎯 Key Comparison Points:

📊 Manual Comparison Checklist

💊 Prescription Drug Coverage:

🏥 Provider Networks:

💰 Cost Comparison: