Medicare Open Enrollment 2025: 7 Mistakes You're Making (and How to Fix Them Before December 7th)

Medicare Open Enrollment season is just around the corner, running from October 15 to December 7, 2025. If you're like most Medicare beneficiaries, you're probably dreading the paperwork, the confusing plan comparisons, and the pressure to make the "right" choice for your healthcare.

Here's the thing – most people mess this up. Not because they're not smart enough, but because Medicare is genuinely complicated, and the stakes feel overwhelming. The good news? The mistakes are predictable, which means they're also preventable.

Let's dive into the seven biggest blunders people make during Medicare Open Enrollment and, more importantly, how you can avoid them before the December 7th deadline.

Mistake #1: Choosing a Plan Based Only on Monthly Premiums

This is the big one. You see a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium and think, "Jackpot!" But here's what happens next year: you need surgery, and suddenly you're hit with a $5,000 deductible you didn't see coming.

The Fix: Look at the total cost of care, not just the monthly premium. Add up your expected doctor visits, medications, and any planned procedures. Compare the annual out-of-pocket maximums across different plans. Sometimes a plan with a $50 monthly premium ends up costing you $2,000 less per year than the "free" option.

Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for monthly premiums, deductibles, copays for your regular doctors, and your medication costs. You'll be amazed at how different the real numbers look compared to that flashy $0 premium.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Plan's Annual Changes

Your Medicare Advantage plan sends you those thick envelopes every fall – the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Most people toss them in a drawer without reading them. Big mistake.

Plans change their networks, formularies (covered medications), and costs every single year. Your favorite doctor might not be covered anymore, or your heart medication might jump from $10 to $100 per month.

The Fix: Actually read those documents, especially the ANOC summary. Look for three key things: changes to your prescription drug coverage, changes to your provider network, and changes to your costs. If any of these affect you negatively, it's time to shop around.

Set aside an hour in early October to review these documents. If you find significant changes that impact your care, you have until December 7th to switch to a better plan.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Prescription Drug Coverage

"I'm healthy – I don't need drug coverage." This thinking will cost you. Even if you don't take medications now, you'll face late enrollment penalties if you need coverage later. These penalties stick with you for as long as you have Medicare.

The Fix: If you don't have creditable prescription drug coverage through an employer or other source, enroll in a Part D plan during Open Enrollment. Even a basic plan is better than no plan when it comes to avoiding penalties.

Already have coverage through an employer? Make sure it's "creditable" – meaning it's at least as good as Medicare's standard coverage. Your HR department should provide you with a letter stating this.

Mistake #4: Not Shopping Around Every Year

Found a plan you love? Great! But don't get too comfortable. Medicare plans are like cell phone companies – they offer great deals to attract new customers, then quietly raise prices for loyal ones.

The Fix: Treat every Open Enrollment like you're shopping for coverage for the first time. Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool to compare all available options in your area. Enter your current medications and preferred doctors to see which plans offer the best value.

Even if you end up staying with your current plan, you'll have peace of mind knowing you've got the best deal available.

Mistake #5: Waiting Until the Last Minute

December 6th rolls around, you panic, and you make a rushed decision that you'll regret for the next 12 months. The Medicare Open Enrollment period gives you almost two months to make your decision – use them!

The Fix: Start your research in early October, right when the enrollment period begins. Create a timeline:

• October 15-31: Research and compare plans
• November 1-15: Narrow down to your top 2-3 choices
• November 16-30: Make your final decision
• December 1-7: Enroll in your chosen plan

This approach gives you time to call plan representatives with questions, verify that your doctors are in-network, and double-check medication coverage.

Mistake #6: Overlooking Network Restrictions

You love your current doctor, but you don't check if they're in your new plan's network. Come January, you're either paying out-of-network costs or scrambling to find a new physician.

The Fix: Before selecting any plan, verify that your current doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in the network. Don't rely on last year's directory – networks change constantly.

Call your doctors' offices directly and ask which plans they accept for the coming year. If you have a chronic condition or take specialty medications, also verify that your preferred pharmacy is in the plan's network.

Mistake #7: Not Understanding Your Options

Many people think they can only make small tweaks to their coverage during Open Enrollment. In reality, you can make major changes, including switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, or vice versa.

The Fix: Understand your full range of options during the October 15 – December 7 enrollment period:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Add, drop, or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
• Add or drop a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy

Beyond the Mistakes: Your Action Plan

Now that you know what not to do, here's your step-by-step action plan for a successful Open Enrollment:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Collect your current plan documents, a list of your medications with dosages, and contact information for your doctors and preferred hospitals.

Step 2: Assess Your Current Situation

Review what you spent on healthcare this year. Were there any surprises? Are you expecting any changes in your health or medication needs?

Step 3: Research Your Options

Visit Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool. Input your medications and preferred providers to get personalized results.

Step 4: Compare Total Costs

Don't just look at premiums. Factor in deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums to calculate your total expected annual cost.

Step 5: Verify Networks and Coverage

Double-check that your doctors and medications are covered under any plan you're considering.

Step 6: Get Help if You Need It

If this feels overwhelming, don't struggle alone. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased help. You can also reach out to VitalShield Insurance Services for expert guidance on Medicare options.

The Bottom Line

Medicare Open Enrollment doesn't have to be stressful if you start early and avoid these common pitfalls. Remember, the decision you make between October 15 and December 7, 2025, will affect your healthcare and wallet for the entire next year.

The key is treating this process like any other important financial decision – with research, planning, and careful consideration of your options. Take your time, ask questions, and don't be afraid to make a change if it means better coverage or lower costs.

Your future self will thank you for taking Medicare Open Enrollment seriously. Start your research early, avoid these seven mistakes, and you'll enter 2026 with confidence in your healthcare coverage.