7 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Medicare Annual Enrollment

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. This is your once-a-year chance to review your coverage and make changes. But too many seniors fall into the same traps — and it can cost them money, coverage, and peace of mind.

Here are the 7 mistakes to avoid this year:

1. Not Reviewing Your Current Plan

Plans change every year. Premiums may rise, benefits may shrink, and your doctor might no longer be in-network. Don’t just auto-renew.

2. Waiting Until the Last Minute

Enrollment ends December 7. Waiting until the last week creates stress and limits your ability to compare carefully.

3. Ignoring Prescription Coverage

Prescription drug lists (formularies) change annually. A drug covered last year might cost much more this year if you don’t review.

4. Overlooking Extra Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage plans now offer dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and even grocery or meal benefits. Don’t miss out by sticking to a plan without checking.

5. Choosing Based on Premium Alone

Low premiums can be attractive, but hidden copays and deductibles can add up. Look at total costs, not just the monthly bill.

6. Forgetting About Travel or Rural Care Needs

If you travel often or live in a rural part of Montana, network restrictions matter. Original Medicare with a Medigap plan may give you more flexibility than a local-only Advantage network.

7. Going It Alone

Medicare is complex — and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. An experienced advisor can help you compare options and avoid costly mistakes, at no cost to you.

How Golden Valley Medicare Helps

At Golden Valley Medicare, we help Montana seniors navigate Medicare with free, unbiased plan reviews. We’ll check your doctors, prescriptions, and costs so you can make a confident decision this AEP.

Remember: Annual Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, 2025.

Schedule your free Medicare review with Golden Valley Medicare today.