October is the key month to review your Medicare coverage. Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. What you choose now applies as of January 1, 2026. If you're 65 or older, or qualify for disability, now's the time to compare and adjust your plan to pay less and be better protected.

Why this year matters

- More than 65 million people are enrolled in Medicare in the U.S. In the US, and more than half already use Medicare Advantage (private plans, “Part C”). This means more options, but also more differences between plans.

- The cost of drugs changes: the government has projected that the average basic premium for Part D (drugs) for 2025 will be $55.50 per month, compared to $34.70 in 2024. If you don't compare, you could overpay in 2026.

- Few people take advantage of the season: Historically, only about 10% of Part D members switch plans to Open Enrollment, although many could save by doing so.

What you can do during Open Enrollment

- Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), or vice versa.

- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

- Add, remove or change your drug plan (Part D).

- Review extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing aids, transportation), common in Medicare Advantage.

Quick glossary (in simple words)

- Original Medicare: Government coverage for hospitals (Part A) and doctors/clinics (Part B).

- Medicare Advantage (Part C): private plans that replace A and B, usually include medications and extra benefits.

- Part D: Prescription drug plan. It has a list of covered drugs (formulary), premium and co-pays.

- Medigap: Supplemental insurance to help pay for Original Medicare deductibles and co-payments. Not used with Medicare Advantage.

Checklist to compare and decide well

- Your current medications: write down the name, dosage and frequency. Check if the plan covers them and at what “level” (level = cost category).

- Your doctors and hospitals: Confirm that they are “in network” if you're evaluating a Medicare Advantage plan. Off-grid it usually costs more.

- Total cost, not just the premium: check monthly premium, deductible, co-payments and the maximum annual spending in your pocket (limit that protects you if you have an expensive year).

- Extra benefits that you do use: dental, vision, hearing aids, transportation, gym. A benefit you don't use isn't “savings”.

- Insulin and vaccines: Part D insulin is limited to $35 per month and many recommended vaccines have no copay. Make sure your plan reflects this.

- Preferred pharmacies: Some plans charge less at “preferred pharmacies”. Check your regular pharmacy or consider switching if you save.

Signs that you should change your plan

- Your plan will increase premium or deductible in 2026.

- Your medications are no longer covered or are going up a “level”.

- Your doctor left the plan's network.

- You don't use the benefits you're paying for (or you're missing benefits that you do need).

- You spent more than expected this year.

How La Familia Multiservices helps you

- Free review of your situation and medications.

- Clear comparison of plans, costs and doctor networks, in Spanish.

- Search for real savings (premium + copayments + annual cap), not just “nice benefits”.

- Support to change or register correctly before December 7.

Schedule your free review today at www.lafamiliamultiservices.com. Avoid overpaying in 2026 and make sure you have the coverage you do need.

Sources and data

- Medicare Open Enrollment dates: Medicare.gov. What's Medicare? and When can I join a plan? https://www.medicare.gov/

- Enrolled in Medicare (more than 65 million): CMS Program Statistics — Medicare Enrollment. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/cms-program-statistics

- More than 50% on Medicare Advantage: KFF. Medicare Advantage in 2023: Enrollment Update and Key Trends. https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-in-2023-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/

- Projected average Part D 2025 basic premium $55.50 vs. $34.70 in 2024: CMS Press Release, July 31, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases

- Insulin at $35 and vaccines without a copay in Part D (Inflation Reduction Act): CMS. https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare

- Few people switch to Part D plan (around 10%): KFF. During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, A Small Share of Beneficiaries Review or Compare Plans. https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/

Important Notice

- The information here is general. Your situation may be different. We are not Medicare or the government. We can help you understand options and complete your enrollment.

Note: If you want a blog about another urgent seasonal topic (for example, “What to do if you missed the October 15 deadline to declare with extension” or “How to prepare for the Open Enrollment of the Health Market on November 1”), let us know and we'll publish it right away.

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