Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter

As summer winds down, watch for communications from your plan provider. This is also the time of year when many ne’er-do-wells try their best to take advantage of Medicare recipients. Read on to learn more.

If you’ve supplemented your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with private insurance, be on the lookout for communications about changes in cost, coverage, or service area during the next few months. Often, providers will aim for these notifications to arrive in September, which gives their customers time to respond or perhaps make a change.¹

Stop Medicare Fraud in Its Tracks

Every year, thousands are targeted by con artists with the intent of committing Medicare fraud. In the past, this was done by stealing Social Security numbers printed on older Medicare cards.

However, even with the new cards that rely on a unique ID number, fraudsters may still try to exploit you. The number one way to protect yourself from fraud is perhaps the easiest: Try guarding your Medicare card like a credit card. Do not give your Medicare card or number to anyone except your doctor or people you are sure should have it. This simple strategy can stop Medicare fraud in its tracks and protect you from identity theft.²

^{Terraced rice field in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam.}

A Prescription for Health

While Medicare Advantage plans often offer prescription drug coverage, insurers sell federally standardized Medicare Part D plans as standalone products to those with Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Every Part D plan has its own list (i.e., a “formulary”) of covered medications. Visit Medicare.gov to explore the formulary of approved drugs for your Part D plan and their prices organized by tier.

In fact, Medicare.gov is a great place to start all your research. Once there, you will find answers to your most common questions and more information on the different Medicare plans offered in your area.³

Key 2025 Dates & Deadlines

January 1: Medicare General Enrollment Begins
January 1: Medicare Advantage Enrollment Begins
March 31: Medicare General Enrollment Ends
March 31: Medicare Advantage Enrollment Ends
April: Flu Season Ends
September: Private plans send notice if there will be any change in cost, coverage, or service area
October 15: Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins
November: Flu season begins
December 7: Medicare Open Enrollment Ends

<sup>1. Medicare.gov, 2025
2. Medicare.gov, 2025
3. Medicare.gov, 2025</sup>