5 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Health & Medicare Plan

Being proactive about your health and Medicare plan means preparing before you need care, not trying to figure everything out during an illness, emergency, or enrollment deadline.

A few practical habits can help you stay informed about your health, keep important medical information accessible, understand where to get care, and make sure your Medicare coverage still fits your needs.

Here are five ways to get started.

 

 

1. Stay Connected With Your Primary Care Doctor

Regular contact with your primary care doctor can help you stay on top of preventive care, medications, existing health conditions, and new concerns.

If you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you may be eligible for a yearly Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (2). This isn’t the same as a traditional physical. Instead, it focuses on prevention and creating or updating a personalized prevention plan based on your health and risk factors.

Don’t wait for your next scheduled visit if you develop a new or concerning symptom. Contact your healthcare provider when you notice significant changes in your health or have questions about medication side effects.

And if symptoms could indicate a medical emergency (such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, or loss of consciousness), call 911 rather than waiting to speak with your regular doctor.

 

2. Build Healthy Habits You Can Maintain

Healthy habits don’t guarantee that you’ll avoid illness, but they can support your overall physical and mental well-being.

Focus on realistic habits you can maintain, such as:

• Eating a varied, balanced diet
• Staying physically active at a level appropriate for you
• Getting adequate sleep
• Staying socially connected
• Avoiding tobacco
• Limiting alcohol, if you drink
• Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing existing conditions

Physical activity is particularly important as we age because it can support strength, balance, mobility, and independence.

You don’t have to begin with an intensive workout program. Walking, gardening, swimming, resistance exercises, balance exercises, or an appropriate group fitness class can all count.

If you have a medical condition or haven’t been physically active recently, ask your healthcare provider what type and amount of activity are appropriate for you.

 

3. Know Where to Go When You Need Care

Don’t wait until you’re sick or injured to figure out where you can receive care.

Find out in advance:

• Where your nearest urgent care center is
• Which urgent care locations participate in your plan, if network rules apply
• Which hospitals are nearby
• Which hospitals participate in your plan
• Whether your plan offers a nurse advice line or telehealth options
• What to do if you need care while traveling

It’s also useful to understand the difference between urgent and emergency care.

An urgent care center may be appropriate for some health problems that need prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening. A potentially life-threatening emergency requires emergency medical care.

Call 911 for a medical emergency. Don’t delay emergency care while trying to determine whether a particular emergency department is in your plan’s network.

 

4. Keep Your Medical Information Organized and Accessible

In an emergency, you may not be able to explain your complete medical history yourself.

Keep an up-to-date record that includes:

• Prescription medications, doses, and frequency
• Over-the-counter medications and supplements
• Medication allergies
• Important medical conditions
• Significant surgeries or procedures
• Emergency contacts
• Your doctors’ contact information

Keep a concise copy in your wallet or phone and a more complete version at home. If you use your phone’s emergency medical information feature, make sure you know whether first responders can access it without unlocking the device.

Review the information whenever your medications or medical conditions change.

Don’t put your Social Security number or unnecessary financial information on an emergency medical card.

It can also help to make sure a trusted family member or caregiver knows where to find your current medication list and other important healthcare information.

 

 

5. Review Your Medicare Coverage Every Year

Even if you’re happy with your Medicare coverage, review it every year. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change each year. Your own healthcare needs can change, too.

Review:

• Premiums
• Deductibles
• Copays and coinsurance
• Prescription drug coverage and costs
• Pharmacy networks
• Provider networks
• Prior authorization requirements
• Additional benefits
• Annual out-of-pocket limits, when applicable

If you have Medicare Advantage or Part D, review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) when it arrives (3). It explains important coverage and cost changes for the coming year.

For the 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7, beneficiaries can make certain Medicare Advantage and Part D changes for 2027 coverage. Those AEP elections generally take effect January 1, 2027.

Before switching, compare more than your premium.

 

What If You Have Medigap?

Medigap works differently from Medicare Advantage and Part D, and you shouldn’t assume the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is when you need to change Medigap policies, or when you’re automatically entitled to do so.

Your ability to purchase or switch Medigap coverage can depend on your circumstances, federal protections, medical underwriting rules, and state law.

California also has its own Medigap protections, including the California Medigap Birthday Rule for qualifying policyholders (4).

 

A Simple Medicare and Healthcare Checklist

Being proactive about your health doesn’t require constantly thinking about your insurance. A few reminders throughout the year can make it more manageable.

• At least annually: Review your preventive-care needs with your healthcare provider and update your medication and medical-information lists.
• Whenever your health changes: Contact your healthcare provider as appropriate and update your medication or condition information.
• Before traveling: Check how your coverage works away from home and locate appropriate care options at your destination.
• Each fall: Review your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan’s ANOC and compare your coverage for the following year.
• Before changing coverage: Verify your doctors, prescriptions, costs, network rules, and benefits under the plan you’re considering.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Your Healthcare and Medicare

Being proactive about your health often comes down to knowing what to review and when to ask for help.

 

Do I Need to See My Doctor Every Year?

Your healthcare needs and recommended visit schedule depend on your individual circumstances.

Medicare Part B covers a yearly Wellness Visit for eligible beneficiaries, but the Annual Wellness Visit isn’t the same as a traditional physical. Ask your healthcare provider what routine and preventive care is appropriate for you.

 

How Often Should I Update My Medication List?

Update it whenever you start, stop, or change a medication. Periodically check that the list also includes the correct doses, allergies, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use.

 

Should I Review My Medicare Plan Even If I’m Happy With It?

Yes. Reviewing your coverage doesn’t mean you have to change it. Medicare Advantage and Part D costs, formularies, networks, and benefits can change annually, so confirm that your existing coverage still meets your needs for the coming year.

 

Do I Have to Change Medicare Plans During Annual Enrollment?

No. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period allows eligible beneficiaries to make certain changes; it doesn’t require you to change coverage.

If your current plan still meets your needs, you may decide to keep it.

 

Can I Change My Medigap Plan During Medicare Annual Enrollment?

Medicare’s October 15–December 7 Annual Enrollment Period primarily covers Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. It doesn’t create a universal annual right to switch Medigap policies.

Different federal and state Medigap rules apply. California residents may also have rights under California law.

 

Be Proactive, One Step at a Time

Being proactive about your health means being prepared: stay connected with your healthcare team, build sustainable healthy habits, know where to get care, keep important medical information organized, and understand your Medicare coverage.

A little preparation throughout the year can make healthcare decisions easier when you actually need to make them.

Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups works with Caress Insurance Agency, LLC to help San Diego County residents understand Medicare insurance options. Visit our  Medicare page to learn more and get in touch.

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