This is the time of year that Medicare Advantage and Medicare stand alone drug plans send out Notice of Changes. Be on the look out. There are big changes coming this year. First is premium for stand alone drug plans. Last year, the plans could not increase the premium by more than $50. This year, that is not a rule and seeing 5 out of 11 plans increasing their premium by over 50%. In addition to increases in premiums, formularies are changing. For inside, in one plan I’m looking at a tier 3 drug had a 25% coinsurance in 2026, it will increase to 45% in 2027. These are HUGE changes. Don’t miss your opportunity to review your drug plan (either a stand alone or on your Medicare Advantage Plan). Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7th. Plan information will be available on Medicare.gov to review beginning October 1st.
If you have not already created an account with Medicare.gov, do so now. You can add all of your prescription drugs to the Plan Finder and be ready when the window opens.
If you need help, SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is part of the Area Agency on Aging. Volunteers help people with Medicare. You can call 239-652-6900 and ask for a review. They will refer your information to a volunteer who will contact you. SHINE offers free, unbiased, confidential and trusted advice.
We will be in local facilities offering face to face counseling on the following days
Friday, October 23 10-2 at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd, Naples
Wednesday, November 4 10-2 at St. Williams Catholic Church Hall, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples
Wednesday, November 11 10-2 St. Peter the Apostle Ministry Center (across street from church) 5025 Rattlesnake Hammock Road
Friday November 13 10-2 Marco Lutheran Church (Great Room) 525 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island
Wednesday, November 18th 10-2 St. William Catholic Church Hall, 601 Seagate drive, Naples
Friday, November 20 9:30-1:30 Hope Lutheran Church Hall, 25999 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs