Medicare can feel like a maze—one that changes every year and comes with more paperwork than guidance. You might receive a stack of booklets in the mail, get bombarded with TV commercials promising “extra benefits,” and still feel unsure about what’s actually best for you.
That’s where this conversation begins. Because here’s the truth:
Reviewing your Medicare plan with a licensed expert isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re turning 65 soon or have been on Medicare for years, this guide will show you why that review matters more than ever.
The Hidden Risk of Doing Nothing
Let’s meet Margaret.
She’s 71, lives in Orange County, and takes two daily prescriptions. She was automatically re-enrolled in the same Medicare Advantage plan she’s had for five years. Nothing seemed wrong—until she walked into her pharmacy in January and was told her meds weren’t covered.
Her copay jumped from $10 to $73.
Margaret didn’t know her plan changed its drug formulary. She never got a notice (or maybe she did and didn’t recognize it). She trusted the system to take care of her.
And that’s where so many Medicare users fall into the same trap: automatic re-enrollment without a plan review can quietly cost you hundreds or even thousands per year.
Why Medicare Plans Change (Even When You Don’t)
Even if your needs haven’t changed, your plan has. Every year, insurance companies adjust:
- Prescription drug coverage (formularies)
- Monthly premiums and deductibles
- Copays and coinsurance amounts
- Doctor and hospital networks
- “Extra” benefits like dental, vision, hearing
What looked like a great plan in 2023 might be a poor fit in 2025. And unless you read through the 100+ page plan documents, you wouldn’t even know.
This is why expert help matters.
What a Plan Review Actually Looks Like
If you’ve never done a real Medicare review, here’s what it should look like:
- Listening first – A licensed agent starts by understanding your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
- Breaking down your current plan – They’ll explain your plan’s benefits in plain English.
- Comparing options – You’ll see side-by-side comparisons of other plans in your zip code.
- Pointing out red flags – Gaps in coverage, rising out-of-pocket costs, or missing doctors.
- Guiding—not selling – You walk away informed, not pressured.
At MakeMedicareWork, we make it our mission to give people real answers, not more marketing noise.
How a Medicare Plan Review Saves You Money
Let’s break down just a few ways that reviewing your Medicare plan can protect your wallet:
- Prescription Coverage: Many plans drop or reprioritize medications on their formularies each year. Catching this early could save you hundreds per month.
- Doctor Access: Doctors frequently leave plan networks. Don’t get surprised during your next visit.
- Copay & Deductible Changes: Premiums and cost-sharing amounts shift annually—and often go up. A better plan may be hiding in plain sight.
- Plan Perks vs. Actual Value: Extra benefits like gym memberships sound great, but make sure the core coverage (hospital, drug, doctor) still meets your needs.
2025–2026 Medicare Changes to Know
Major reforms are coming down the pipeline, including:
- A $2,000 cap on annual prescription drug costs (starting 2025)
- Insulin capped at $35/month
- Vaccines like shingles and flu at no cost
- Standardized out-of-pocket limits
- Fewer hoops to jump through for prior authorizations
You won’t know how these updates affect your specific plan unless someone shows you.
That’s what we’re here for.
Real Talk: What’s the Cost?
Nothing.
A Medicare plan review with MakeMedicareWork is 100% free.
You’re not locked into anything. We’re licensed agents who work with top-rated carriers—and we’re not here to push a single company or product. We’re here to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Because Medicare shouldn’t feel like a gamble.
