Enrolling in Medicare? Here’s what to consider before the Dec. 7 deadline.

November 11, 2026 / 10:39 AM EST / CBS News

The Medicare open enrollment window has arrived, giving millions of seniors across the U.S. the chance to revisit their coverage choices. Even if you're happy with your plan, experts say it's still worth exploring your options.

Health plans change every year, meaning people could see updates to premium costs, prescription drug coverage and available providers in their network. New plans also come online, expanding the already broad list of coverage options.

"There's really no one who can't benefit from at least taking some time to take a look," Alex Cottrill, senior policy analyst with KFF's program on Medicare policy, told CBS News.

People enrolled in Medicare Advantage or a Part D prescription drug plan typically receive an "Annual Notice of Change" in September outlining any updates to their coverage, according to Medicare.gov, the government website for the program.

"Pay attention to those notices, and frankly, even if you don't receive an annual notice of change, you still want to review your current plan and make sure that it is the right one for you," said Jessica Rivkin, vice president of Reliance Medicare Advisors, an insurance agency that helps people enroll…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/