For many retirees, Medicare decisions only get attention during Open Enrollment in the fall. However, June is actually an excellent time to perform a mid-year Medicare checkup. Taking a few minutes now can help you avoid surprises later and ensure you’re getting the most value from your healthcare coverage.

Start by reviewing your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) from the first half of the year.

These statements show how services were billed and what Medicare or your supplemental insurance paid. Reviewing them can help identify billing errors, unexpected charges, or services you may not recognize.

Next, take a close look at your prescription drug expenses.

 Many retirees are surprised by how quickly medication costs can add up. Compare your current costs with available alternatives, generic medications, or mail-order options. If your prescriptions have changed since January, your current Part D plan may no longer be your best fit when Open Enrollment arrives.

June is also a good time to begin preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

While plan details for 2027 are not yet finalized, retirees can start making notes about coverage concerns, prescription issues, or provider changes they have experienced this year. Having that information ready will make plan comparisons much easier later.

Another important step is reviewing your preventive healthcare checklist. Medicare covers many preventive services at little or no cost, including annual wellness visits, screenings, and certain vaccinations. Ask yourself:

• Have you completed your Annual Wellness Visit?
• Are recommended cancer screenings up to date?
• Have you received recommended vaccinations?
• Have you scheduled vision, hearing, or dental appointments if applicable?

Many retirees postpone preventive care only to discover issues that could have been addressed earlier.

Finally, verify that your doctors, specialists, and preferred healthcare facilities remain in-network if you participate in a Medicare Advantage plan. Networks can change, and it’s better to discover those changes before your next appointment.

Your Mid-Year Medicare Checklist

1. Review EOBs and Medicare Summary Notices
2. Evaluate prescription drug costs
3. Make notes for Open Enrollment planning
4. Complete recommended preventive screenings
5. Confirm provider network participation

A mid-year review can take less than an hour, but it may save money, prevent billing issues, and help you make better Medicare decisions when Open Enrollment arrives this fall.

Insurance Committee