Medicare

Last-Chance Medicare Tips: 5 Secrets to Save with Medicaid

The clock is ticking! Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period begins tomorrow, October 15, and runs through December 7. If you’re on Medicare, this is your most important chance to change your coverage for 2026.

But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many people put off this task. The good news is that you still have time to make a smart choice, especially if you qualify for extra help through Medicaid.

First, Don’t Panic: Your 3-Step Pre-Check (Do This Today!)

Before you dive in, take 15 minutes to complete these three steps. They will make tomorrow’s plan comparison much faster and easier.

  1. Find Your “ANOC” Letter: Dig through your mail from late September. Your “Annual Notice of Change” from your current plan is your starting point. It shows how your coverage and costs are changing for 2026.
  2. Make a “Health Snapshot” List: Write down:
    • The prescriptions you take.
    • The doctors and specialists you see.
    • Any planned procedures for next year.
  3. Set Up Your Medicare.gov Account: If you don’t have one, create it now. This will save you precious time when you start comparing plans tomorrow.

5 Last-Minute Tips for a Smarter Open Enrollment

When you start comparing plans on Medicare.gov tomorrow, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Look Beyond the Premium: A $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan can be tempting, but check the deductibles, copays for doctor visits, and out-of-pocket maximum. The cheapest plan can become expensive if you need a lot of care.
  2. Double-Check Your Drugs and Doctors: A plan’s network and formulary can change every year. Don’t assume your current pharmacy and doctors are still in-network or that your drugs are still covered at the same price.
  3. Review Your Part D Plan Separately: If you have Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan, it’s crucial to re-shop your drug coverage every year. A different plan could save you hundreds on your medications.
  4. Use the Star Ratings: Medicare rates every plan on a 1 to 5-star scale based on quality and customer service. Use this as a quick guide to filter out poorly performing plans.
  5. Don’t Wait Until December 7! Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and website crashes. Give yourself the gift of time to make a confident choice.

The Game-Changer: How Medicaid Can Help with Medicare Costs

Many people don’t realize they might qualify for help. If you have limited income and resources, your state’s Medicaid program can work with your Medicare to dramatically lower your costs.

This is called being “Dual Eligible.”

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, here’s what you could get:

  • Help Paying Your Medicare Premiums: Medicaid can pay your Part B premium ($180.50/month for most in 2026).
  • Lower or $0 Copays and Deductibles: Your out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions can be significantly reduced or eliminated.
  • Extra Benefits: You may qualify for additional benefits not typically covered by Medicare, like long-term care services.
  • Automatic “Extra Help” for Prescriptions: You’ll automatically qualify for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), which slashes your drug costs.

Unsure if You Qualify? Don’t Let That Stop You.

You don’t need to figure this out alone. The rules can be complex, but the potential savings are life-changing.

Your Action Plan for Open Enrollment:

  • Tomorrow (Oct 15): Start your plan comparison on Medicare.gov using your “Health Snapshot.”
  • This Week: If you think your income might be limited, contact us at Medicare.social. Our licensed advisors can help you understand if you might qualify for Medicaid assistance and guide you to the right Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that are designed specifically for your situation.

This Open Enrollment season, don’t just choose a plan—choose confidence. Let us help you secure the comprehensive, affordable coverage you deserve for 2026.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a Medicare.social expert today.
We’re here to help you navigate both Medicare and Medicaid.