Avoid These 5 Common Medicare Enrollment Mistakes During Open Enrollment

Understanding Your Medicare Plan Documents: What to Keep, What to Ignore

If you’re enrolled in Medicare, December often brings a flood of mail. Between letters, booklets and notices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed–Or worse, ignore something important.

The good news? Not every Medicare document requires action. Here’s how to know what actually matters, what to file away, and when to ask for help.

Why You’re Getting So Much Mail

Medicare plans are required to send members several documents each year, especially after Annual Enrollment. These notices explain coverage, costs, and any changes taking effect January 1 (Medicare.gov, 2026).

Some are informational. Others are critical. Knowing the difference can save you time and stress.

Documents You Should Review Carefully

Annual Notice Of Change (ANOC)

It outlines:

Changes to premiums, deductibles or copays
Updates to prescription drug coverage
Network of pharmacy changes
Benefit changes for the upcoming year

Even if you stayed with the same plan, changes can still occur year to year (CMS, 2026).

Tip: If something in the ANOC doesn’t match what you expected, give us a call to review the change and view options.

Evidence of Coverage (EOC)

The EOC is detailed explanation of how your plan works. It includes:

Covered Services
Cost-sharing rules
Prior authorization requirements
Appeals and grievance procedures

You don’t need to read this cover to cover, but it’s a helpful reference if questions come up later (Medicare.gov, 2026).

Documents to Keep Handy

Your Plan ID Card:

Use your new card starting January 1
Keep it with you for appointments and pharmacy visits
Some plans also offer digital cards through member portals

Enrollment Confirmation Letters

These confirm:

Your plan name
Coverage Type
Effective Date

It’s a good idea to save these in case questions arise later.

Documents You can Usually File Away

Some mail is helpful but not urgent, such as:

General benefit summaries
Marketing materials
Welcome packets once reviewed

You don’t need to act on these unless something seems incorrect or confusing. If that’s the case, reach out to us and we can answer any questions you have.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Reach out for help if you notice:

A medication removed or moved to a higher tier
A provider listed as out-of-network unexpectedly
Copays or deductibles that changed significantly
Conflicting information between documents

According to the National Council on Aging (2025), misunderstandings around plan documents are a common reason Medicare members experience surprise costs or coverage issues.

How Harbor Health Can Help

At Harbor Health Insurance Services, our support doesn’t stop after enrollment. We help you:

Review key plan documents
Understand what changes matter
Identify issues early
Know when action is needed and when it’s not

You don’t have to decode Medicare paperwork alone.

From Our Team At Harbor Health Insurance Services

As we wrap up the year, we want to wish you and your family a very Happy Holidays. We’re grateful to support you and are here if you have questions as you head into the new year.

References:

Medicare.gov. (2026). Your Medicare coverage options & enrollment timelines

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2026). Medicare Advantage and Part D program guidance.

National Council on Aging (NCOA). (2025). Understanding Medicare enrollment and plan changes.

Medicare Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.Doaaaasdf