Annual Medicare Plan Review in West New York, NJ: Fall Checkup

Where to Look First

1. The premium for next year
2. The deductible and yearly limit
3. Changes to the drug list for each drug you take
4. Whether your doctors stay in the network
5. Any benefit that is going away

2027 Changes to Watch

The Part D cap rises from $2,100 to $2,400. Drug deductibles can rise to $700. In-network limits for Advantage plans can reach $9,850. Your plan's letter shows its exact numbers.

If Your Plan Is Ending

Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans end December 31, 2026. Members should get a letter about it. Pick a new plan by December 7 for a January 1 start. You also get a Special Enrollment Period, but waiting risks a gap.

Key Fall Dates

• October 15: the fall Open Enrollment Period begins
• December 7: last day to choose a plan for January 1
• December 31: plans that are ending stop coverage
• January 1, 2027: new plan year starts
• January 1 to March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

Our Yearly Review Process

Each fall, we compare your current plan with the plans we carry for the coming year. We look at the premium, the deductible, the yearly limit, your drug list and your doctors. If your plan still fits, we tell you so, and you do nothing. If something changed, we show you the options side by side.

The review is free, takes about half an hour by phone, and you are never asked to switch.

Medicare Mail to Keep

• Annual Notice of Change from your plan
• Medicare & You handbook
• Social Security premium letters
• Letters about PAAD, Extra Help or NJ FamilyCare

Do Nothing or Switch?

If nothing big changed and your costs look fine, staying may be fine. If a drug moved tiers or a doctor left, it is time to compare. We can do that with you.

Learn more from changing plans during Open Enrollment (Medicare.gov)(external site).

Life Changes That Call for a Review

Some changes are worth a review any time of year, not only in the fall. Moving to a new county, losing job coverage, qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help, or entering a nursing home can each open a Special Enrollment Period. If one of these happens, reach out, and we will check which options apply to you.

The government explains this in Special Enrollment Periods (Medicare.gov)(external site).

How We Compare Plans for Next Year

We enter your drugs and pharmacy for each plan we carry and look at the full cost for 2027, not just the premium. We also check star ratings, which Medicare gives each plan from one to five stars based on quality and member service. A plan with a lower price but poor service may not be worth it.

If you have a Medigap policy, the fall window does not apply to it in the same way. Your drug plan, though, can still be changed each fall, and that review often saves money.

What to Bring to Your Review

• Your Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage
• Your current list of medicines and doses
• Names of your doctors, specialists and pharmacy
• Any bills that surprised you this year

Signs It May Be Time to Switch

• A drug you take moved to a higher tier or was dropped
• Your doctor or hospital is leaving the network
• Your premium or yearly limit went up a lot
• Your plan is ending in New Jersey
• Your health or income changed this year

After the Deadline

If you miss the December 7 deadline, you may still have options. People in Medicare Advantage can change once from January 1 to March 31. Special Enrollment Periods open after events like a move or new Medicaid coverage. If you are not sure, ask us and we will check what applies.

Write the next fall window on your calendar now. Reviewing early in October gives you time to ask questions and compare without rushing before the deadline.

Budget for the Year Ahead

Start with the Part B premium of $202.90 a month in 2026. Add your plan premiums and a cushion for copays. Many people set aside a monthly amount in a separate savings account.

Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

See the services we provide in Hudson County. Our page on our local Medicare agent home page goes deeper. Next, look at comparing Medicare Advantage HMOs and PPOs. We also cover checking your drugs on a Part D plan. It helps to read about your Medicare sign-up window. Many readers next check New Jersey help paying for Medicare. There is a full page on reach our West New York team. You may also want how we handle your information. See when to buy a Medigap policy.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Figures are for 2026 unless noted and change every year. Last reviewed October 29, 2026.