From Texas County Memorial Hospital:
Houston, MO—Open enrollment for Medicare health and drug plans begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026.
Each year during this period, Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and decide whether it will continue to meet their healthcare needs and budget for the upcoming year. Changes made during the Medicare open enrollment period will generally take effect January 1, 2027.
When enrolling in Medicare or making a change to your coverage, there are several options available.
Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called Part C or MA Plans, are Medicare-approved health plans offered by private companies. These plans provide Medicare Part A and Part B coverage through the Medicare Advantage plan rather than through Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also include prescription drug coverage.
With Original Medicare, you can generally see any doctor or visit any hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, however, may have provider networks and service areas that affect where you can receive care and how much you pay.
TCMH is in-network with the following Medicare Advantage Plans: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, AETNA and United Healthcare. If you have a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Medicare Advantage plan with another carrier, you may be able to receive care at TCMH as an out-of-network provider, but your out-of-pocket costs may be higher. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans generally require you to use providers within the plan’s network for covered, non-emergency care, although some plans may offer limited out-of-network benefits.
Because Medicare Advantage plans differ in their networks, costs, benefits and coverage rules, it is important to review the details of your specific plan each year.
With Original Medicare, beneficiaries can generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. However, Original Medicare does not have an annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. Some people choose a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy or other supplemental coverage to help with costs that Original Medicare does not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plans may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare generally does not cover, such as certain vision, hearing, dental and fitness benefits. Plans may also have different premiums, deductibles, copayments, provider networks and rules regarding prior authorization.
There are several Medicare enrollment periods throughout the year. You can enroll in Medicare when you first become eligible.
Medicare open enrollment period from October 15 through December 7, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare prescription drug plan, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from January 1 through March 31, people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare. If they return to Original Medicare, they can also join a separate Medicare prescription drug plan. Changes generally take effect the first day of the month after the plan receives the enrollment request.
Medicare recommends reviewing your current coverage and comparing your options for 2027 before open enrollment begins.
Ozark Action, Inc., a partner of the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), will be available at TCMH to provide free, unbiased and confidential Medicare counseling and education to help individuals navigate the open enrollment process. The counseling will be available Thursday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the TCMH boardroom.
For more information or to make an appointment, call Ozark Action, Inc. at (417) 967-2036.
