Why Annual Medicare Reviews Matter

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also known as Part C, are a popular choice for many Americans looking for comprehensive coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans—a number that continues to grow each year. With so many individuals relying on these plans for their healthcare, one crucial fact often gets overlooked: Medicare Advantage plans are not static. They change every year, and so do your personal health needs.

Taking the time for an annual review ensures that you remain in the best plan for your unique situation, preventing surprises in coverage, cost, or access to care. Let’s walk through the key reasons why this yearly check-in is so important.

Plans Change Every Year

Each fall, Medicare Advantage plans release updates for the upcoming year. These adjustments can impact nearly every aspect of your healthcare, including:

• Prescription drug coverage – Formularies (the list of covered drugs) can shift, meaning that a medication you rely on today could be moved to a higher cost tier—or dropped altogether—next year.

• Premiums, co-pays, and deductibles – Even modest changes in these costs can add up significantly over time, especially for those on fixed incomes.

• Doctor and hospital networks – Providers may leave or join a plan’s network. Without reviewing your plan, you might find out too late that your trusted doctor or preferred hospital is no longer covered.

• Extra benefits – Perks like vision, dental, hearing, or fitness memberships are attractive features of many MA plans, but they aren’t guaranteed to stay the same year after year.

Failing to review your plan could mean facing unexpected bills, losing access to your doctor, or missing out on valuable benefits. A simple review helps you spot these changes early and adjust before they disrupt your care.

Your Needs Change Too

It’s not just the plans that change—your own health and financial situation evolve as well. What suited you last year might no longer be the best fit today. Consider these common scenarios:

• New prescriptions or conditions – A plan that once offered great coverage may now fall short if you’ve developed a new health condition or require additional medications.

• Increased care needs – As we age, the likelihood of needing specialists, therapies, or extended services increases. A plan’s network or cost-sharing structure may no longer align with your care needs.

• Financial considerations – Predictable costs become more important over time. Some plans may offer stability in premiums and co-pays, while others might expose you to unpredictable out-of-pocket expenses.

Annual reviews allow you to reassess whether your plan still meets your personal circumstances. In some cases, switching plans can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year while improving your access to care.

Why In-Person Matters

In today’s fast-paced, automated world, many insurance companies rely on phone calls, online portals, or generic mailers to communicate updates. But health coverage is complex, and small details can have big consequences.

At Williamson Insurance, we believe there’s no substitute for a personal, face-to-face review. Sitting down with a knowledgeable advisor provides several advantages:

• Personalized review of your doctors, medications, and hospitals

• Clear explanations in plain language—no jargon, no rushed calls

• Time to ask questions and get answers at your pace

• Tailored recommendations to match your health and budget needs

This approach not only reduces confusion but also builds peace of mind. You’ll walk away confident that your plan is the right fit.

Independent, Local, and On Your Side

One of the biggest benefits of working with an independent agency like Williamson Insurance is choice. Unlike companies that push a single provider’s products, independent agencies have access to multiple insurance carriers.

That means we can:

• Compare options across several companies

• Highlight differences in coverage and costs

• Help you make decisions based on what’s best for you, not for a corporate bottom line

Because we’re local, we also understand the doctors, hospitals, and community resources in your area—knowledge that national call centers can’t always provide.

Our Commitment to You

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan isn’t a once-and-done decision. Life changes, and so does Medicare. That’s why Williamson Insurance is committed to being your trusted advisor all year round.

Whether you’re facing a coverage question in March, a prescription issue in June, or considering a new healthcare provider in September, we’re here to guide you. With our local expertise and personal approach, you’ll always have someone in your corner.

Final Thoughts

An annual Medicare Advantage review is more than a bureaucratic box to check—it’s a vital step to protect your health, your finances, and your peace of mind. Plans change. Your needs change. And the best way to ensure your coverage keeps up is through a thoughtful, personal review with an advisor who puts you first.

If you haven’t scheduled your Medicare Advantage review yet this year, now is the time. Reach out to Williamson Insurance, and let’s make sure your plan continues to work for you—not against you.