Automatic Medicare Re-enrollment Can Cost You: Here’s How to Avoid It

Imagine this:

You’ve had the same Medicare Advantage plan for a few years. It’s been “fine,” you think. So you do what most people do — nothing — and let it automatically renew at the end of the year.

But when you go to refill your prescription in January, your copay has tripled.

Your doctor’s office says they’re no longer in-network.

You get a bill for a medical visit that used to be covered 100%.

What happened?

It’s not fraud.
It’s not a billing error.
It’s the silent cost of automatic Medicare re-enrollment — and it’s happening to millions of Americans every single year.

Let’s break down why doing nothing might be the most expensive decision you make all year — and how to avoid the trap with a simple, free Medicare review.

What Is Automatic Medicare Re-enrollment?

Most Medicare beneficiaries are automatically re-enrolled in their current plan unless they take action during AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) — which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.

That sounds convenient, right? But here’s the catch:

Your plan changes — even if you don’t.

Insurance companies can change:

• Monthly premiums

• Deductibles

• Copays and coinsurance

• Prescription coverage (formulary)

• Doctor and hospital networks

• Perks like dental, vision, and transportation

You may be re-enrolled in a plan that no longer meets your needs — without realizing it until it’s too late.

Real-Life Example: Why This Matters

Let’s meet Robert.

He’s 67, lives in Long Beach, and takes a heart medication that’s been covered by his Medicare Advantage plan for the past two years. In December, he tosses aside the “Annual Notice of Change” envelope that comes in the mail, assuming nothing major changed.

In January, he heads to the pharmacy — only to learn his medication is now in a higher tier, and his copay has jumped from $20 to $124.

Worse? His cardiologist is no longer in-network.

Robert didn’t do anything “wrong.” He just assumed automatic re-enrollment meant automatic peace of mind.

How Much Could Automatic Re-enrollment Cost You?

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 1 in 3 Medicare Advantage enrollees experience significant plan changes from year to year.

Those changes can cost you:

• 💰 Hundreds in increased drug costs

• 💰 Out-of-pocket fees for out-of-network doctors

• 💰 Higher premiums and copays

• 💰 Lost access to essential benefits

The scariest part? Most people don’t notice until they need care.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Automatic Re-enrollment

1. Do a Medicare Plan Review Every Year

Think of it like a health checkup for your coverage.

You may qualify for a better plan that:

• Covers your prescriptions more affordably

• Keeps your doctors in-network

• Has lower out-of-pocket costs

• Offers new or expanded benefits

MakeMedicareWork offers these reviews for free, with licensed agents who actually listen.

2. Read the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

This booklet arrives in September and outlines all the changes coming to your plan next year.

If you don’t understand it — you’re not alone. Most of our clients say it’s overwhelming. That’s why a licensed expert can walk you through it in 15–30 minutes.

3. Know the Deadlines

You can switch plans or make updates between October 15 and December 7.

Miss that window, and you’re locked in — even if your doctor drops out or your meds cost more.

Fast Facts: Medicare Re-enrollment by the Numbers

• 94% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are automatically re-enrolled unless they switch

• Over 60% don’t review their plan details year-to-year

• Nearly 30% of beneficiaries experience premium increases or coverage losses due to plan changes

The system assumes silence = consent. And that’s not okay.

What a Plan Review Looks Like with MakeMedicareWork

A Medicare review doesn’t mean you’re committing to a new plan. It just means you’re making sure your current one still fits.

Here’s what to expect:

1. We ask about your current doctors, prescriptions, and preferences

2. We explain your current plan in plain English

3. We compare your plan to others in your zip code

4. We point out red flags or cost increases

5. We guide you toward options — no pressure

This takes 30 minutes or less, and it could save you hundreds or even thousands in 2025.

Pro Tip: “Extra Benefits” Can Be Misleading

Some Advantage plans promote flashy perks: gym memberships, meal delivery, or over-the-counter cards.

These can be valuable — but not at the expense of solid medical coverage.

We’ve seen plans cut back on prescription benefits or doctor networks while boosting “perks” to attract attention.

Your health isn’t a marketing campaign. Make sure you’re covered where it counts.

Who Should Book a Review?

We strongly recommend booking a Medicare plan review if:

• You take regular prescriptions

• You see specialists or have chronic conditions

• Your doctor is important to you

• You haven’t looked at your coverage in over a year

• You’re turning 65 this year

• You feel confused or overwhelmed by your current plan

Even if nothing changed in your life — the system changed.

Final Word: Don’t Let Silence Cost You

If you don’t review your Medicare plan, the system will quietly make decisions for you.

Some will work in your favor.
Most won’t.

At MakeMedicareWork, we believe you deserve real answers — not surprises in the pharmacy line or at the front desk of your doctor’s office.

You have more control than you think.
Let’s help you take it back.