2025 ‘Medicare & You’ Handbook Arriving Just in Time for Annual Enrollment

“Toni, I recently enrolled in Medicare but have not yet received my Medicare & You handbook. I’m concerned about what I should do during the Medicare season that happens in the fall. How do I find out which options are best for me? I have some health problems, and I’m concerned about making the wrong change. I know that I will be bombarded by marketing material, and I would really appreciate any advice that you can give me in advance.” -Sam

Sam, I’ve got great news for you! The 2025 Medicare & You handbook will be mailed to over 65 million Medicare beneficiaries this September. It’s impressive how efficiently Medicare ensures these handbooks arrive on time each year for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

More good news: You still have time to do your research! The AEP starts on October 15 and ends at midnight on December 7.

For an in-depth discussion on Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, check out Chapter 6 of my book, “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition.”

Navigating Medicare’s Annual Enrollment

You have various options depending on your health and financial situation. It’s important to take your time and thoroughly research your choices, particularly if, like Sam, you’re worried about health concerns and making the right decision. Below, you’ll find the steps the Toni Says Medicare team follows to assist clients during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.

Step 1: Choose Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B. To cover gaps in Original Medicare, you can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan.

Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans are often HMO or PPO types. When you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll use the plan’s insurance card instead of your Medicare card.  

Key Difference:

The primary difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is that Original Medicare works exclusively with Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies.

Step 2: Enroll or Change Your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

During the AEP, consider whether you need to enroll in or change your current Part D prescription drug plan.

• If you choose Original Medicare, you must enroll in a separate Part D plan to receive prescription drug coverage. This plan will have a monthly premium.
• Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. If you don’t enroll in a plan with Part D coverage, you may face a penalty.

Important: Ensure that your chosen Part D plan covers all your prescriptions, both brand-name and generic, whether you select a standalone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Changes You Can Make During AEP

• Enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan: If you don’t have Part D coverage, you can enroll during AEP.
• Change Part D Plans: Switch to a different Part D plan to find one that better suits your needs.
• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan: Choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.
• Change Medicare Advantage Plans: Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, whether it includes Part D or not.
• Return to Original Medicare and Enroll in Part D: If you’re currently in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can return to Original Medicare and enroll in a separate Part D plan.
• Return to Original Medicare Only: Opt to return to Original Medicare without Part D coverage.

Important: If you don’t have Part D coverage when you first become eligible, you may face a penalty.

Take your time during Medicare’s AEP to explore your Medicare options. Call the Toni Says Medicare hotline at (832) 519-8664 or email [email protected] for assistance with Medicare issues. Toni’s books are available at www.tonisays.com with a bundle discount for Toni Says readers.

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