The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 and gives beneficiaries a once‑a‑year opportunity to update or change their coverage. During this window, Virginia retirees should review their current plan’s changes, prescription drug lists, provider networks, and expected healthcare costs for the upcoming year. Even if your plan has worked well, it may not be the best fit going forward—and reviewing your options now can prevent unpleasant surprises later. A little preparation goes a long way, especially for retirees balancing healthcare needs with long-term retirement planning.
At Evans Advisory Group—a Virginia-based retirement and Medicare advisory firm serving Mechanicsville, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Alexandria, and surrounding communities—I help retirees compare their options, understand plan updates, and coordinate Medicare decisions with their overall retirement strategy. Here’s what to review during Medicare Annual Enrollment this year.
1. Annual Enrollment Dates and Why They Matter
AEP happens every year from October 15 through December 7. Any changes you make go into effect on January 1. During this period, you can:
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans
- Move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
- Change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
Because these dates don’t shift, planning early helps you avoid the last-minute rush and gives you more time to ask questions and compare options. You can explore Medicare basics anytime on our Medicare
page.
2. Review Your Current Plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Every fall, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change outlining what will be different next year—premiums, deductibles, copays, drug coverage, and network rules. These changes can significantly affect your total out-of-pocket costs.
Virginia retirees often assume their plan will stay the same, but small adjustments can add up over the course of a year. Whether you live in Mechanicsville, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Norfolk, or Northern Virginia, it’s worth reading this document closely or reviewing it with a local Medicare advisor.
3. Check for Prescription Drug Coverage Changes
Prescription drug coverage is one of the most common reasons retirees switch plans. Formularies change annually, and even one drug moving to a different tier can increase your yearly costs substantially.
During AEP, review:
- Whether all your medications are still covered
- Changes to drug tiers and copays
- Your plan’s preferred pharmacy network
- Whether your medications require prior authorization
You can compare prescription drug options on our Medicare Part D Plans
page or bring your medication list to a consultation for a personalized review.
4. Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are Still In‑Network
Provider networks—especially for Medicare Advantage plans—can shift from year to year. Before re-enrolling, verify that your primary care doctor, specialists, and local hospitals remain in-network for the upcoming year.
This is especially important for retirees in areas like:
- Richmond and Mechanicsville (Commonwealth Primary Care, Bon Secours, VCU Health)
- Fredericksburg (Mary Washington Healthcare)
- Norfolk and Hampton Roads (Sentara, CHKD, Bon Secours)
- Alexandria and Northern Virginia (Inova, Kaiser Permanente service areas)
If your provider is leaving the network, it may be time to compare Medicare Advantage alternatives or consider supplementing Original Medicare.
5. Evaluate Total Annual Healthcare Costs
Retirees often focus on monthly premiums, but the most important number is your total annual cost. This includes:
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- Primary and specialist copays
- Hospital costs
- Prescription expenses
- Maximum out-of-pocket limit (for Medicare Advantage)
Evans Advisory Group helps retirees map these numbers into their retirement budgets so healthcare costs don’t disrupt income planning or long-term financial goals.
6. Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans change every year, and sometimes benefits look better on paper than they perform in real life. When comparing plans, consider:
- Network size and provider access
- Prescription drug coverage
- Hospital and specialist copays
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Out-of-pocket maximums
- Travel rules and coverage outside Virginia
You can learn more about Medicare Advantage options on our Medicare Advantage Plans
page, or schedule a review to compare plans available in your ZIP code.
7. Coordinate Medicare Choices With Your Retirement Plan
Healthcare is one of the biggest retirement expenses, which means Medicare decisions shouldn’t be made in isolation. The right Medicare plan can help protect your retirement income strategy—and the wrong one can create unexpected expenses.
When I work with retirees across Virginia, we often review:
- How out-of-pocket costs fit into your income plan
- Whether higher premiums may prevent higher long-term expenses
- How medical risk affects your investment strategy
- Ways to coordinate Medicare with long-term care planning
Good Medicare choices and good retirement planning go hand in hand.
8. Avoid Common Annual Enrollment Mistakes
Every year, I see retirees run into the same avoidable issues. Here are the big ones to watch out for:
- Not reviewing prescription drug changes. Drug costs can shift dramatically year to year.
- Assuming their doctor is still in-network. Always verify.
- Waiting until the final days of AEP. Advisor calendars and plan hotlines get crowded.
- Switching plans based solely on premiums. Lower premiums can lead to higher total costs.
- Overlooking retirement income coordination. Medicare decisions impact your broader financial plan.
A quick annual check-in can help you make confident, informed decisions.
9. Get Help From a Local Virginia Medicare Advisor
Medicare can be overwhelming, especially when juggling networks, drug lists, and cost comparisons. Working with a local advisor who understands Virginia’s healthcare landscape makes the process easier and more personalized.
As an independent advisory firm, Evans Advisory Group helps retirees compare multiple carriers—without pressure and without one-size-fits-all recommendations. Whether you're in Mechanicsville, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Alexandria, or anywhere nearby, support is just a conversation away.
If you’re preparing for Medicare Annual Enrollment and want personalized guidance, I’d be happy to help you compare your options. Schedule your Medicare review today: Book a Consultation.