Medicare Open Enrollment season is here, and you have from now until December 7th to change your Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) or Medicare Advantage plan (managed care plan) for 2015.  Research has shown that only 13% of beneficiaries change their Part D plan even when doing so could result in better coverage and lower costs for beneficiaries.  These drug plans change every year, so even if you stay in the same plan, which medications are covered and the cost you have to pay for them may change next year.  Click here to learn more about how to review your Medicare Part D options and why it’s so important.

You can also compare your options for both Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans on Medicare’s plan finder website.  Note: if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may not be able to switch plans unless the plan is offered by the same company you have now.  However, you can choose to go into Medicare fee for service (Part B).  Also, if you have ESRD and are in Medicare Part B, you cannot enroll in Medicare Advantage.  Everyone is eligible to choose and switch among Part D plans.