The last quarter of the year is always hectic, but it is also the most important time for your Medicare and health insurance. Plans change, rules shift, and deadlines sneak up on people. 

My goal is to make sure you have the information you need to stay covered, make smart choices, and avoid the year-end rush.

Individual Health Insurance Enrollment

If you are under age 65 and need an individual health insurance policy, open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans begins November 1, 2025, and runs through January 15, 2026.

If you want coverage starting January 1, 2026, you need to take action in November. Enrollment technically runs into January, but acting early keeps you from being rushed and gives you time to make the best decision for your situation.

For help reviewing your options, I highly recommend my son, Noah Bick. He is a licensed agent who gives every client the same care and attention that I do. You can reach him directly at 954-263-5526.  

We both get busy during this time of year so reach out early so you have enough time to make the right choice.

Medicare Enrollment

For those joining Medicare for the first time who do not have a qualifying event, the general enrollment period is as follows:

• Enroll in January for coverage effective February 1
• Enroll in February for coverage effective March 1
• Enroll in March for coverage effective April 1
  

Submitting your paperwork early in the month improves your chances of timely approval. The paperwork for Medicare approvals can be delayed, meaning that you might not have proof of your coverage if you need it early in the month. 

Part D Prescription Drug Plans

The Part D Prescription Drug Plan enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2025. Any elections made during this period will become effective Jan. 1, 2026.

You’ll need to know some important details about the 2026 Part D plans. 

First, the maximum out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy for your medications has been raised to $2,100 for the year. Once you reach that amount for covered medications, the plan covers 100 percent for the rest of the year.

Second, Florida will have 10 Part D Medicare plans available to you this year. The popular Wellcare Value Script plan remains available at $0 premium. It was the top choice for 2025, but there is no guarantee that the drug formulary for this plan or any plan will remain the same for 2026. Always double-check your prescriptions on medicare.gov.

Finally, if you are a Medicare participant and have not yet done so, we highly recommend creating a Medicare account at medicare.gov. Once your account is set up, you can view benefits, compare plans, and store your medication list for future years. If your medications change, you can update them directly on the medicare.com portal, saving you time and effort.

Not every plan covers every medication. The goal is to find the plan that gives you the lowest total cost, not just the cheapest. This means considering both your medication costs and your monthly premium together.

We are here to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Because the enrollment window is relatively short, if you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us as soon as possible: 954-775-0275.