Medicare Open Enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Here’s what to know, and 6 ways to get help.

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to plans each year—changes to things like cost, what’s covered, and which providers and pharmacies are in their network. It’s important to review these changes each year.

What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is a window of time when people can make changes to their healthcare plans for the coming year. October 15th to December 7th is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage to better meet their needs.

Unlike the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment, Medicare Open Enrollment is not for new consumers. People initially enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment period, which starts 3 months before and ends 3 months after their 65th birthday. October 15th-December 7th is for people who already have Medicare.

What do people with Medicare need to do?

People in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan should always review the materials their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are changing, they should make sure their plans will still meet their needs for the following year. 

If they’re satisfied that their current plans will meet their needs for next year and it’s still being offered, they don’t need to do anything. But, if their provider is no longer in-network or an expensive drug is not covered, they need to look at their options. 

Visit Medicare.gov to get started, or read on learn how to get help from a free, unbiased counselor.

6 ways to get help with Medicare

Free, trained counselors help explain options and reduce confusion. Telephone, in-person and virtual help with Medicare is available.

1. Contact MMAP to get free one-on-one support with a trained counselor.

The Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) counselors are trained volunteers who help people understand Medicare options. MMAP counselors provide free, unbiased information and do not work for any health insurance companies. 

Discuss questions and options with a certified counselor by phone or in person. Some MMAP counselors also offer regular hours at local libraries or other community venues. Appointments are required for in-person assistance. Call 1-800-803-7174 to speak to a counselor.

View and save MMAP’s assistance flyer for yourself, or to send to a friend.

2. Attend an Open Enrollment Assistance Day

AgeWays, a local nonprofit for senior services, offers free Open Enrollment Assistance Days across 6 counties in southeast Michigan. Attend one of these events to get help with your Medicare from a MMAP counselor. Availability is limited, and appointments are required. Requesting an appointment sooner rather than later is recommended.

Washtenaw County fall 2024 dates and locations

Other Michigan Counties

View Ageways’ calendar for a list of events in all counties

Download a printable list of all Ageways Open Enrollment Assistance Days

3. Register for a free webinar Oct. 22nd

Understand your Medicare options from the comfort of your home. Register for this free webinar on October 22nd from 10am – 11:30am with your name and email at tinyurl.com/2025MMAPWebinar

Follow Ageways on Facebook for helpful updates.

4. Get help with Medicare from other local organizations

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) has a directory of organizations who will help you with Medicare on their Senior Resource Connect page. View the directory here, or call 1-734-971-9781 and press “8” for Senior Services to schedule an appointment to see a counselor.

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw serves all faiths. Follow them on Facebook for Medicare and senior resource updates.

5. Call the official Medicare number

You can talk to live chat with a real person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except some federal holidays). Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, start a live chat at Medicare.gov.  Interpreters are available if you are more comfortable speaking in another language.

6. Get help with Medicare costs from Washtenaw Health Project

Washtenaw Health Project does not help with Medicare enrollment, but we can help with Medicaid programs to cover Medicare costs.

In 2024, if you are single and your income is below $1,715/month, or if you are married and your joint income is below $2,320, Washtenaw Health Project can help you verify your eligibility and enroll you in programs such as AD Medicare, The Medicare Savings Program, and the Extra Help program for Part D prescription costs.

We are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm and 1 – 4pm. Contact us to schedule a free appointment with one of our certified counselors. Here’s what to expect from an appointment, and here are directions to our office.

View and download the above flyer for yourself or a friend, here.