We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney | Dent Coulson Elder Law

Get Help Right Away

Call Today: 618-632-7000 or 217-330-5500

  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Alzheimer’s Planning
    • Asset Preservation Planning
    • Estate Planning
    • Medicaid Eligibility
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Trust and Estate Administration
    • VA Benefits Planning
  • News & Videos
    • Video Series
      • Coronavirus Preparedness
      • Asset Preservation Planning
      • Common Estate Planning Mistakes
      • Dealing With Alzheimer’s
      • Financial Exploitation of Elders
      • Handling Difficult Conversations with Seniors
      • Married Couples and Medicaid
      • Medicaid Application Process
      • Medicaid Look-Back Rule and Transfer Penalties
      • Nursing Home Admission and Care
      • Veterans Pension Benefits
      • What You Can and Can’t Keep with Medicaid
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • The Elder Law Minute
  • Alzheimer’s Guide
  • Presentations
    • Health Care Power of Attorney
  • Hear From Our Clients
    • Testimonials
    • Share Your Experience
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Partners & Resources
    • About Our Fees
    • COVID-19 Policies
    • Privacy Policy
  • DCEL Blog
  • Contact
    • Find Our Offices
    • Refer a Friend

Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know Before December 7

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Medicare Open Enrollment is officially underway and will remain open until December 7, giving individuals an important opportunity to review their current Medicare coverage, compare available plan options, and make adjustments for the year ahead.

What You Can Do During Open Enrollment

Between now and December 7, individuals may:

  • Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan

  • Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another

  • Join or change a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Any changes made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026. Even if you feel confident about your current plan, reviewing your coverage now can help prevent unexpected changes in cost or benefits next year.

Using a my Social Security Account

A personal my Social Security account provides easy access to several Medicare-related services, including the ability to:

  • Apply for Medicare Part A and/or Part B

  • Check the status of an existing Medicare application

  • Confirm your coverage start date

  • View or print proof of Medicare coverage

  • Update your address and contact information

Having an online account can make managing your Medicare enrollment more convenient and help you keep track of important updates.

Why Reviewing Your Coverage Matters Each Year

Medicare health and prescription drug plans can change annually. Premiums, deductibles, copays, covered medications, provider networks, and plan benefits may shift from year to year. Taking a few moments to review your plan now ensures that your coverage will still align with your medical needs and financial goals for 2026.

If your current plan continues to meet your needs, no action is required—your coverage will automatically continue into the new year.

Where to Get More Information

To compare plans or learn more about your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Dent Coulson Elder Law is committed to providing helpful information that supports individuals and families in making informed decisions about their future health and long-term care planning.

Veterans Benefits O'Fallon ILFor Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs immediate help with a planning matter or legal issue, please contact us, and we will get back to you promptly.

774 Sunset Blvd Suite 200
O'Fallon, IL 62269
IL: (618) 632-7000
MO: (314) 567-9292

1901 South Fourth Street,
Suite 211, Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 330-5500

Fax: (618) 632-7333

Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Book A Speaker

 

Free WorkshopsIf you have reached age 65, there's about a 45% chance that you will eventually need long-term care.

Our attorneys are available to speak to professional and social groups on a variety of elder law and estate planning topics without charge.

To book a speaker, please call our offices and ask for Karie Wines.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our free weekly Newsletter and receive the latest news, updates and videos straight to your inbox!

Recent Posts

  • Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know Before December 7
  • Digital Legacy: What Happens to Your Photos, Logins, and Messages
  • Separate Accounting As a Guardian
  • Stay Organized for Your Future Care
  • Estate Planning for Blended Families

More News & Videos

  • Alzheimer's Planning (85)
  • Asset Preservation Planning (150)
  • Coronavirus Preparedness Series (9)
  • Coulson Elder Law (11)
  • DCEL Blog (1)
  • Document Signing (15)
  • Elder Law Minute Video (467)
  • Estate Planning (214)
  • Health Care Planning/Medicare (161)
  • Medicaid Eligibility (223)
  • News & Videos (512)
  • Special Needs Planning (48)
  • Trust Administration (14)
  • Veterans Benefits (51)

Front office building of Coulson Elder Law

Front office building of Coulson Elder Law

  • Directions to our office locations
  • Send us an email
  • About Us
  • News and Videos
  • Weekly Newsletter
  • Brochures
  • Presentations
  • Hear From Our Clients
  • Partners & Resources
  • Legal Disclaimer

Copyright © 2025 · Wesley J. Coulson | Dent Coulson Elder Law, LLC

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

    No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.