Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Over… What Should Seniors Do Next?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) has officially closed, and for many seniors, the rush of phone calls, plan comparisons, and last-minute decisions is finally behind them. But even though AEP is over, your Medicare planning isn’t. The months following AEP are some of the most important for ensuring your coverage is correct, your benefits are fully understood, and you’re positioned for a smooth year ahead.

Here’s what every Medicare beneficiary should do next.

1. Review Your Plan Confirmation & Start Dates

Within a few weeks, you should receive a confirmation letter or email showing:

• The plan you enrolled in

• Your effective date (usually January 1)

• Your ID cards (often mailed separately)

Don’t ignore these documents. Errors can happen, and catching mistakes now prevents big headaches later—especially with prescription coverage or primary care assignments.

2. Double-Check Your Prescription Coverage

Drug formularies change every year, including:

• Tier placements

• Prior authorization rules

• Step therapy

• Preferred pharmacies

If your costs don’t look right in January, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) depending on the situation. The sooner you check, the faster problems can be corrected.

3. Don’t Panic If You Think You Picked the Wrong Plan During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

AEP may be over, but you still have options in certain situations:

✔ Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31)

If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

• Switch to another MA plan

• Or return to Original Medicare + Part D

No questions asked.

✔ Special Enrollment Periods (year-round)

You may qualify for an SEP if:

• You move

• You lose coverage

• Your plan changes its contract

• You qualify for Extra Help / Medicaid

• A doctor or hospital you rely on leaves the network

You’re never truly “stuck.” Ask a licensed advisor to check your options.

4. Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit Early

Your free Annual Wellness Visit is one of the most valuable benefits of Medicare. It includes:

• Preventive screenings

• A personalized health plan

• Assessments for chronic conditions

Doctors’ schedules fill up quickly after the holidays. Book early to take full advantage of your preventive benefits.

5. Make Sure You Understand Your New Benefits

If you changed plans, pay close attention to:

• New copays

• Out-of-pocket maximum

• Dental/vision/hearing allowances

• Over-the-counter (OTC) benefits

• Transportation or flex card programs

• Network changes

Most people don’t use half the benefits their plan offers—because they don’t know about them.

6. Stay Alert During January

January is the month when most issues surface:

• Incorrect premiums

• Drug coverage surprises

• Doctors showing “out of network”

• New ID cards not arriving on time

If anything feels off, don’t wait. A quick review can prevent unnecessary expenses.

7. Connect With a Local Advisor for a Post-AEP Checkup

Medicare is complicated—especially after new plan changes kick in.A trusted advisor can help you:

• Confirm your new plan is correct

• Review changes to your prescriptions

• Check provider networks

• Review your benefits

• Identify any available SEPs

• Make sure you’re set up for a smooth year

At Couvillier Advisors, we specialize in guiding seniors through these exact situations—before small issues become big problems.

Final Thoughts

AEP may be behind us, but Medicare planning never stops. By reviewing your coverage now, understanding your benefits, and knowing your options, you can avoid headaches and make the most of your healthcare in the year ahead.

If you have questions about your 2025 Medicare coverage, our team at Couvillier Advisors is here to help.