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Mom’s plan worked last year. That doesn’t mean it’s still the best one.
A simple checklist for helping a parent review their Medicare coverage before the December 7 deadline.
✔ Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes start January 1, 2027.
✔ Plans change every year. Compare based on your parent’s actual drugs and doctors, not just the premium.
✔ Free, unbiased help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
✔ Be wary of unsolicited calls. Never share a Medicare number with someone who calls out of the blue.
📅 What can change during open enrollment
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or back
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan
If your parent is in Medicare Advantage, there’s another chance to switch plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31.
✅ Step-by-step checklist
1. Find the Annual Notice of Change
Plans mail this each fall. It lists changes to premiums, copays, covered drugs and networks for next year.
2. Make a list of every medication
Include the exact name, dose and how often. Drug coverage is where costs differ most.
3. List their doctors and pharmacies
If they’re in Medicare Advantage, check that their doctors are still in network next year.
4. Compare plans on Medicare.gov
Use the Medicare Plan Finder and enter their drugs to see the estimated total yearly cost, not just the premium.
5. Look at the total cost
Add up premiums, deductibles and copays. A $0 premium plan isn’t always the cheapest overall.
6. Get free help if you need it
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling.
7. Decide before December 7
Enroll online, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or directly with the plan.
❓ Questions to ask before switching plans
- Are all of my parent’s drugs on the new plan’s formulary, and on which tier?
- Are their doctors, hospitals and pharmacy in network?
- What’s the maximum out-of-pocket for medical care?
- Do any drugs need prior authorization or step therapy?
- Are dental, vision or hearing benefits worth the trade-offs?
- If they travel or spend winters elsewhere, does the plan cover care there?
💵 Key numbers for 2027
The Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400 in 2027, and the standard Part D deductible rises to $700. Negotiated prices also take effect for a new group of drugs. If your parent takes several medications, comparing Part D plans this year is especially worthwhile.
🙋 Get permission to help
Medicare won’t discuss your parent’s information with you unless they give permission. They can fill out Medicare’s “Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information” form (CMS-10106), or simply be on the line with you when you call.
📞 Before you call SHIP or Medicare
Medicare card
They’ll need the Medicare number.
Medication list
Drug names, doses and how often.
Current plan name
Plus the Annual Notice of Change if you have it.
Doctor and pharmacy list
Names and cities, to check networks.
Your questions
Write them down so nothing gets forgotten.
Have your parent nearby so they can give permission on the call if needed.
🚫 Avoid open enrollment scams
- Medicare will not call to ask for your Medicare number
- Plans and agents aren’t allowed to make unsolicited “cold” calls to sell plans
- Hang up on anyone offering “free” gifts, braces or tests for a Medicare number
- When in doubt, call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself
⏰ Missed December 7?
Don’t panic. Depending on the situation, there may still be options:
- People in Medicare Advantage can switch plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31
- Special Enrollment Periods apply after certain life events, like moving or losing other coverage
- People who qualify for Extra Help or Medicaid have more chances to change drug plans
A SHIP counselor can tell you which options apply.
🧰 Tools that make caregiving paperwork easier
Helping a parent with Medicare means papers, phone calls and medication lists. These tools keep it all in one place.
Medical information binder
Our pick: Caregiver medical organizer binder
One binder for insurance cards, medication lists, doctor contacts and plan documents, ready for every appointment and phone call.
👍 Best for: Adult children helping a parent- Pre-printed sections for meds, doctors and insurance
- Pockets for cards and papers
✋ Skip it if: Your parent’s information already lives in a shared digital folder.
💡 Tip: Keep a copy of the Annual Notice of Change in the front pocket.
Check price on Amazon →Amplified phone for seniors
Our pick: Panasonic amplified cordless phone
Louder, clearer calls make long conversations with Medicare, SHIP counselors and plans much easier for parents with hearing loss.
👍 Best for: Parents with hearing loss- Adjustable volume boost
- Large buttons
✋ Skip it if: They’re comfortable on a smartphone with hearing aids.
💡 Tip: Use speakerphone so you can join the call to help.
Check price on Amazon →Weekly pill organizer
Our pick: Ezy Dose AM/PM weekly pill organizer
Makes it easy to see each week which medications your parent takes, which also helps when you compare drug plans.
👍 Best for: Daily medications- Large, easy-open lids
- Clear day labels
✋ Skip it if: Their pharmacy already packs pills by dose.
💡 Tip: Use the pill bottles to write the exact drug names and doses for the Plan Finder.
Check price on Amazon →Lighted magnifier
Our pick: LED handheld magnifier
Plan documents and pill labels are full of small print. A lighted magnifier makes them readable.
👍 Best for: Reading plan documents- Built-in LED light
- 2x to 4x magnification
✋ Skip it if: Their vision is fine for fine print.
💡 Tip: Keep it with the medical binder.
Check price on Amazon →Large-print planner
Our pick: Large-print monthly planner
Track appointments, refill dates and the December 7 deadline in one easy-to-read place.
👍 Best for: Keeping on top of dates- Large, clear dates
- Space for notes
✋ Skip it if: You manage everything on a shared phone calendar.
💡 Tip: Mark December 7 in red.
Check price on Amazon →Large-print wall calendar
Our pick: Large-print wall calendar
A big calendar by the phone keeps the December 7 deadline, appointments and refill dates in sight.
👍 Best for: Parents who prefer paper- Large boxes for writing
- Bold dates
✋ Skip it if: They use a shared phone calendar.
💡 Tip: Write the SHIP phone number on it too.
Check price on Amazon →Wallet medical info card
Our pick: Emergency contact and medication card set
A wallet-size list of medications, doctors and the Medicare plan name helps at every appointment.
👍 Best for: Appointments and ER visits- Space for meds and doctors
- Durable or laminated
✋ Skip it if: They keep this in a phone Medical ID.
💡 Tip: Update it after open enrollment if the plan changes.
Check price on Amazon →Large-print address book
Our pick: Large-print address and phone book
Keeps doctor, pharmacy, SHIP and plan phone numbers easy to find and easy to read.
👍 Best for: Parents with many contacts- Large print
- Tabs by letter
✋ Skip it if: They’re comfortable with phone contacts.
💡 Tip: Add the new plan’s member services number in January.
Check price on Amazon →Quick answers
Can my parent switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Yes, during open enrollment or the January 1 to March 31 Medicare Advantage open enrollment period. Getting a Medigap policy later may not be guaranteed in every state, so ask a SHIP counselor first.
Do we need to re-enroll every year?
No. If you do nothing, your parent usually stays in the same plan. But the plan’s costs and coverage can change.
How do I find my state’s SHIP?
Visit shiphelp.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for your local SHIP.
When is Medicare open enrollment?
October 15 to December 7, 2026, with changes taking effect January 1, 2027.
Do I have to do anything if my parent is happy with their plan?
Not necessarily, but plans change every year. Check the Annual Notice of Change to make sure it still fits.
Where can we get free help?
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Is a $0 premium plan the best deal?
Not always. Compare the total yearly cost, including deductibles, copays and drug costs.
Note: this is general information, not insurance advice. Plan details vary by location. Check Medicare.gov or talk to a SHIP counselor for help with specific plans.
Grab the Annual Notice of Change, list the medications, and compare plans before December 7.
See our #1 pick →General information only. How we choose: we did not test these products ourselves. Picks are based on product features, brand reputation, independent reviews and public guidance. Amazon prices, models and listings change. Updated October 2026.