The government shutdown might make things tricky for Medicare open enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7. Even though the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says updates will keep going, getting quick answers might be harder.

Experts suggest taking your time with big decisions. Philip Moeller, who wrote a book on Medicare, thinks it's smart to wait until the government is back to normal before finalizing any changes. Even if you make changes on the last day, they still kick in on January 1. So, no need to rush.

During open enrollment, you can switch between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans or change your Part D prescription drug coverage. It's a good idea to check if your current plan still offers the best deal. Juliette Cubanski, who studies Medicare policies, says people often overlook better options.

The government shutdown might slow down help from the 1-800-Medicare line, but other resources like the Plan Finder portal and insurance websites are still available. Still, Moeller warns that getting detailed answers might be tough right now.

Choosing between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage has its pros and cons. Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits like dental or vision, but they might limit which doctors or services you can use. Original Medicare can be pricey, especially if you need a lot of medical care, but it doesn't have an out-of-pocket cap like Medicare Advantage does.

This year, there's more info on Medicare Advantage plans, including details about extra benefits and provider networks. However, Moeller says there might be some glitches, and you might get a chance to change your mind during Medicare Advantage open enrollment from January 1 to March 31.

If you have original Medicare, you can add Part D for prescription drugs. It's important to make sure your meds are covered. More zero-premium Part D plans are available, but watch out for higher deductibles and co-pays. The annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part D drugs will go up to $2, 100 in 2026, but remember, this only applies to drugs covered by your plan.

In the end, it always pays to shop around. You might find a better deal that saves you money.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Smart Medicare Choices During Government Shutdown

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