Medicare Open Enrollment is OPEN: 3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid Right Now

Medicare Open Enrollment is here, and the clock is ticking until December 7. With millions of Americans reviewing their coverage, it’s easy to feel rushed—and that’s when costly mistakes happen.

Choosing the wrong plan can lock you into higher out-of-pocket costs, unexpected bills, and a network that doesn’t include your favorite doctors for all of 2026.

After helping thousands of people navigate this process, we’ve seen the same three mistakes come up again and again. Here’s what they are and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Focusing ONLY on the Monthly Premium

The Trap: You see a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium and think, “What a great deal!” You enroll immediately without looking further.

Why It’s Costly: The monthly premium is just one piece of the puzzle. A plan with a $0 premium can have:

• High deductibles you must meet before coverage kicks in.
• Expensive copays for doctor visits, specialist care, and hospital stays.
• A high out-of-pocket maximum that could cost you thousands if you have a serious health event.

The Smart Move: Look at the total estimated annual cost. Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov. It calculates your total drug + premium + out-of-pocket costs based on the medications and doctors you enter. This is the truest picture of what you’ll pay.

Mistake #2: Assuming Your Doctors and Drugs Are Still Covered

The Trap: You had a great experience with your plan last year, so you decide to auto-renew without checking your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter.

Why It’s Costly: Insurance plans change their networks and formularies every year.

• Your Doctor: Your primary care physician or a crucial specialist could leave the plan’s network. Seeing them next year could mean paying the full bill out-of-pocket.
• Your Medication: A drug you rely on could be moved to a higher cost tier or removed from the covered list (formulary) entirely. This could turn an affordable prescription into a budget-buster.

The Smart Move:

1. Call your doctors’ offices and simply ask, “Are you still in-network for [Your Plan Name] in 2026?”
2. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to enter your prescriptions. It will show you exactly what your copays will be and flag any drugs that are not covered.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Plan’s Star Rating

The Trap: You find a plan with great benefits and low costs, so you enroll, overlooking the fact that it has a 2.5 out of 5-star rating.

Why It’s Costly: Medicare’s Star Rating is a composite score of a plan’s quality and performance. A low score often signals:

• Poor customer service when you have a question or problem.
• Long wait times on the phone.
• Difficulties getting approvals for services or referrals.
• Higher member complaints.

A low-rated plan can turn a simple healthcare need into a months-long headache.

The Smart Move: Filter for plans with a 4-star rating or higher. This is your best indicator that you’ll have a smooth, positive experience throughout the year.

Your Simple 3-Step Action Plan

1. Gather: Have your Medicare card, list of medications, and your ANOC letter handy.
2. Compare: Go to Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder. Compare plans based on total cost, doctor network, and star rating.
3. Confirm: Before you enroll, double-check that your specific doctors and drugs are covered in the plan you’ve chosen.

Feel Overwhelmed? Let Us Be Your Guide.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. The licensed advisors at Medicare.social are here to help you avoid these common pitfalls—at no cost to you.

We provide unbiased, personalized guidance to ensure you choose a plan that truly fits your health and financial needs.

Don’t risk a costly mistake that will impact your entire year. Schedule your free consultation with a Medicare.social expert today, and enroll with confidence!