Is Your Doctor Still In-Network for the New Year? 

The Annual Election Period (AEP) is here, and it’s your chance to review and change your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. While checking premiums and drug costs are important, confirming that your preferred doctors and hospitals are still covered by your plan should be a top priority. 

The Annual Election Period opens on October 15 and closes on December 7. This is your yearly window to make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) coverage. 

 Why You Need to Check Your Network 

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, your plan uses a specific network of healthcare providers. Even if you've been with the same plan for years, networks can—and often do—change for the new year. 

Here’s why a provider may no longer be in your plan’s network: 

• Contract Changes: The health plan and the provider (doctor, clinic, or hospital) may not have renewed their contract for the new year. 

• Plan Type: If you switch from one type of plan to another (like from a PPO to an HMO), your access to certain providers may change. 

• New Providers: Even new doctors in a practice you visit may not be in-network yet, so it’s wise to check them as well. 

If your doctor or hospital leaves your plan network and you see them on or after January 1, you could be responsible for the full cost of that care, depending on your plan type. 

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Confirming Coverage 

You don't have to wait until the last minute. The Annual Election Period provides you with the opportunity to confirm your network status and make a necessary change before December 7. 

1. Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

By September 30, your current plan sends you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document outlines every change to your plan's benefits, costs, and provider network for the upcoming year. 

• Look specifically for sections that mention changes to the provider and pharmacy directory or any notices about major hospital or health system changes. 

2. Check the Official Plan Directory

The most reliable way to check is to use the official tool provided by the plan itself. 

• For Your Current Plan: Visit your plans website and use their "Find a Doctor" or "Provider Directory" tool for the upcoming plan year. Do not use last year's directory. 

• Search for your Primary Care Physician (PCP), all specialists, and the hospitals you use most often. Verify the address and the specific provider name. 

• For New Plans: If you are comparing new options during AEP, always use the online provider directory for the new plan you are considering. 

Making a Change During the Annual Election Period 

If you find that your doctor or a key hospital will no longer be in your plans network, the Annual Election Period (AEP) gives you the option to switch to a different plan that does include your providers. 

• If you choose to make a change, you must enroll in a new plan before the AEP closes on December 7. The new coverage will then be effective on January 1. 

Taking these steps now can help ensure your continued access to the healthcare providers you trust when the new plan year begins. 

You deserve to feel confident in your Medicare choices. Trusted Senior Specialists is here to help cut through the confusion. Call us at 1-855-952-1941 (TTY: 711) for your no-cost, no-obligation consultation this Annual Election Period.