Living Healthy: Time to review coverage during Medicare annual enrollment period

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Medicare annual enrollment period is now underway - From October 15th through December 7th, people with Medicare can review their coverage and make changes for the year ahead.

Experts at Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) say this is the main opportunity to switch plans, add or drop prescription coverage, or move between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Any changes made will take effect in January, 2026.

The upcoming year brings big changes, from higher premiums and new drug deductibles to some Medicare Advantage plans exiting the market.

DOHC Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Enrique Seamanduras-Navarro says, "We expect the premiums to go up every year. Medication coverage changes depending on your insurance plan. Sometimes your doctor might be out of network depending on the agreement they have with the insurance. So I always ask my patients make sure you're able to keep your primary care physician, your doctors, make sure whatever medication you're taking will still be covered at your current price, so you won't be surprised next year." 

DOHC is hosting free educational seminars across the valley to help. Sessions are available in-person and online, led by local, licensed brokers who understand the area's doctors and coverage options.

For more information on Medicare open enrollment events, visit mydohc.com/accepted-insurance/open-enrollment/.