Open Enrollment is here again, and that means your TV, mailbox, and phone will be full of Medicare ads promising savings, perks, and “can’t miss” opportunities. It can all feel overwhelming — and confusing.
I’m not here to pitch you a specific plan. I just want to help you avoid the most common Medicare mistakes that cost millions of seniors thousands of dollars each year. By understanding these traps, you can make fact-based decisions, protect your wallet, and get the best possible benefits.
If you’d like personalized, unbiased help comparing all your options, our partner Chapter is my go-to resource. You can reach them at (417) 319-2139 or by visiting their website.
Let’s go through the biggest mistakes to watch for this Medicare season.
Mistake #1: Assuming Your Current Plan Is Still the Best Option
One of the biggest mistakes people make is sticking with last year’s plan without reviewing it. Plans change every year — prices go up, coverage shifts, networks shrink. What worked last year might not be the best fit this year.
A study found that seven in 10 Medicare Advantage enrollees and nine in 10 Part D enrollees stay in the same plan year after year, even when better or cheaper options are available. That’s a problem, because it often leads to higher out-of-pocket costs.
Be sure to check the Annual Notice of Change from your insurer. Look for premium hikes, coverage gaps, or prescription changes that could cost you more next year.
Mistake #2: Trusting Ads, Celebrities, or Biased Brokers
Not all brokers are bad — some are excellent. But others steer people toward the plans that pay them the highest commissions, not the ones that best meet your needs.
I’ll never forget going to a food bank years ago and seeing a man at a big table outside. He told everyone leaving, “If you’re on Medicare, you need to talk to me.” But he only sold plans from one company and pushed everyone into that same plan.
That stuck with me, because I’ve seen it happen over and over again. The person you talk to might be more interested in their commission than your health. In fact, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit this year accusing national insurers of paying illegal kickbacks for enrollments.
That’s why I only recommend Chapter. They review all the plans in your area and will tell you which one is best for you, even if it’s not a plan they offer. They have a five-star rating on reviews.io, and their reputation depends on honest, unbiased guidance. I even tell my own parents to call Chapter.
Mistake #3: Getting Distracted by Flashy Perks
It’s tempting to go for plans that offer gift cards, grocery credits, or other flashy perks. But sometimes those extras come with trade-offs like fewer covered providers, higher out-of-pocket costs, or limited benefits.
If a plan sounds too good to be true, take a closer look. The true value of a Medicare plan lies in how well it covers your health needs—not in the freebies.
Mistake #4: Only Looking at the Monthly Premium
A low premium might seem like a great deal, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Some of the cheapest plans have high deductibles, expensive drug tiers, and limited provider access. If you ignore those other costs, you might end up paying much more overall.
What really matters is your total cost, which includes:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles
- Copays and coinsurance
- Prescription drug costs
- Out-of-pocket maximums
Experts recommend comparing your total costs across at least two or three plan options — including premiums, prescription costs, copays, and other fees.
Chapter makes this much easier. They can run your medications against hundreds of plans to estimate your overall costs. On average, they save people more than $1,000 per year.
Mistake #5: Believing Bigger Brand Names Mean Better Coverage
Just because a plan comes from a well-known insurance company doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. Big companies spend millions on advertising — not necessarily on better coverage or service. Plan quality and costs can vary widely by ZIP code, even within the same insurer.
Sometimes local or lesser-known plans actually offer lower out-of-pocket costs or better provider networks for your area.
Don’t pick a plan based on the logo on the envelope. Compare what you actually get: your doctors, your prescriptions, your total costs.
Mistake #6: Missing Out on Extra Help
Millions of people qualify for Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs but never apply.
The National Council on Aging reports that nearly 3 million eligible seniors aren’t enrolled in Extra Help, even though it could significantly reduce their prescription costs.
If you’re living on a fixed income, don’t leave that money on the table. These programs exist to ease the burden.
Mistake #7: Waiting Until the Last Minute
December 7 might feel far away, but time flies during enrollment season. Waiting too long can mean:
- Long hold times when trying to get help
- Less time to compare plans
- Higher risk of rushing into a decision you regret
All plan information is available at the start of enrollment—there’s no benefit to waiting. The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be.
Call Chapter for FREE 1-on-1 Help
We’ve partnered with Chapter because they offer free, unbiased Medicare help that’s focused on what’s best for you—not what earns them a commission. Their licensed advisors search every plan available in your area and will even recommend options they don’t sell if it means getting you better coverage or savings.
Chapter has a strong reputation and consistently helps people save money—often over $1,000. It’s totally free to talk to an advisor, and most calls take just 20 minutes. You can reach Chapter at (417) 319-2139 or by visiting lirlinks.com/chapter.
Relief Recap
Medicare open enrollment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these common mistakes—like sticking with your old plan without checking, falling for misleading ads, or waiting until the last minute—you can protect your wallet and make sure your health coverage works for you. The right information and a little early action can go a long way.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to get help. Just make sure it’s help you can trust.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.
If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment depends on the renewal of those contracts. While Chapter maintains a comprehensive database of Medicare plans nationwide and assists in searching all options, Chapter has contracts with many, but not all, plans. Therefore, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Chapter recommends plans even if they are not directly offered through Chapter. For complete Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare, or contact your local SHIP office.