HOOK
Thinking about letting Medicare auto-renew? That one easy move can lock you into a plan that costs more—or covers less—than you expected. Here are three mistakes to avoid during Open Enrollment.
[Visual: older adult opening Medicare paperwork; quick cut to plan comparison screen]
KEY POINT 1
First, don’t assume your current plan is staying the same. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change premiums, copays, drug coverage, and provider networks every year.
[Visual: calendar flipping to “Annual Notice of Change” letter]
KEY POINT 2
Second, check your doctors and prescriptions before you renew. A plan can look affordable on paper, but if your doctor is out of network or a medication moved to a higher tier, your real costs can jump fast.
[Visual: doctor’s office, pharmacy counter, prescription bottle labels]
KEY POINT 3
Third, compare your total yearly costs—not just the monthly premium. Add up premiums, deductibles, copays, and drug costs. The cheapest premium is not always the cheapest plan overall.
[Visual: simple calculator, side-by-side plan comparison chart]
CTA
Before Open Enrollment ends, review your Annual Notice of Change and compare plans on Medicare.gov. A 10-minute check now could save you a year of surprises.
[Visual: website search, person making a note on a checklist]
