Should I review my Medicare plan every year?
As a licensed Medicare advisor serving Pierce County and Washington State, I work with enrolled residents every year to make sure they're still in the right plan. Yes. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans change every year. Premiums move, copays move, drug formularies change, and provider networks shift. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can switch without a special reason.
Can I switch Medicare plans in Washington?
You can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period each fall, and again during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31). Certain life events like moving to a new county also open a Special Enrollment Period. If you're considering switching your Medicare Supplement plan, Washington's guaranteed-issue rules give you more flexibility than most states.
What if my prescription drugs aren't covered next year?
Drug formularies change every year. If a medication you take is being dropped or pushed to a higher tier, you may be able to switch to a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that covers it better during AEP.
What if my doctor leaves my plan's network?
With Medicare Advantage, doctor networks change. If your doctor is leaving your plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch. Original Medicare with a Supplement isn't network-based — most Washington doctors take it. Be aware of hidden costs in Medicare Advantage that go beyond premiums.
How do I know if my plan is still a good fit?
An annual review compares your current premium, total drug costs, doctor network, and any 2026 plan changes against other plans available in your Washington county. Most people find at least one thing worth adjusting. Learn how to compare Medicare plans in Washington step by step.
How retirement income decisions affect Medicare premiums — including the IRMAA surcharge — is covered in the retirement income section.
Common reasons Washington residents switch plans
| What changed | What it might mean |
|---|---|
| Premium went up | A different plan may have similar coverage at a lower premium |
| Drug copay jumped | The drug may be on a different tier; another plan may cover it cheaper |
| Doctor left the network | Special Enrollment Period may let you switch outside AEP |
| Moved to a new county | Different Medicare Advantage plans are available; you may have a SEP |
| Started new medication | Worth checking if your current plan covers it well |
Personalized Medicare Cost Analysis
Answer four quick questions to see whether your current Medicare costs line up with typical Washington rates — or whether there's room to save. 2026 numbers, illustrative only. Michael can pull your exact personalized rates.
- 1Age
- 2Parts A&B
- 3Supplement
- 4Plan
How old are you?
Age is the biggest driver of your Medicare Supplement premium range in Washington.
Do you have both Medicare Part A and Part B?
Both parts are required to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.
Do you currently have a Medicare Supplement plan?
Also called "Medigap" — pairs with Original Medicare to cover most out-of-pocket costs.
Which plan type?
Plan G and Plan N are the most common. Plan F is only available to those eligible before 2020.
A Quick Review May Help
Lower Your Monthly Premium.
Many Medicare Supplement rates increase over time. Different companies often charge very different premiums for similar coverage. A quick Medicare supplement review in Washington may help uncover better value or a lower Medicare supplement premium.
- ✓ Compare current Medicare supplement rates
- ✓ Review Medicare Plan G & Plan N options in Washington
- ✓ Check if you may be overpaying your supplement premium
- ✓ Local, personalized guidance from a licensed WA agent
Coverage and eligibility depend on location, age, underwriting, and carrier availability.
Thank you — your request was received.
Michael will personally follow up to help you compare Medicare supplement rates and see if there's a way to lower your Medicare supplement premium. You can also reach him anytime at (253) 880-6527.
Frequently asked questions
This is one of the most confusing transitions in adult life. Most people have the same questions — most people don't have clear answers until they sit down with someone who actually works with this every day.
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
Will switching plans cost me money?
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Do you charge for the annual review?
Talk Directly with a Local Licensed Agent
Michael Gurr serves University Place and Pierce County — serving Pierce County residents with free, no-obligation plan reviews. Just honest rate comparisons.
Common Medicare Questions for Washington Residents Already Enrolled
Can I change my Medicare plan after I'm already enrolled?
How do I know if my Medicare plan is still the right fit?
Does reviewing my Medicare plan cost anything?
What if I'm overpaying for my Medicare Supplement plan?
One thing most enrolled Washington residents haven't planned for
Even if your Medicare plan is solid, long-term care is the coverage gap that catches most people off guard. Medicare does not cover custodial care — nursing homes, assisted living, or ongoing in-home help with daily activities.
Starting July 1, 2026, Washington residents can access the WA Cares Fund, a lifetime benefit of up to $36,500 for eligible workers. At over $13,000 per month for a private nursing home in Washington, this covers about two to three months.
If you haven't thought through what sits alongside your Medicare coverage when long-term care becomes a real possibility, that's worth a conversation.
Read: Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care in Washington? →
Already thinking beyond Medicare? Long-term care planning is the natural next conversation for Washington residents who want to protect what they've built.
The Bigger Picture
Medicare Is One Piece of Your Retirement
Medicare covers medical costs. It does not cover extended care — and Washington nursing homes run over $13,000 a month. It does not replace the income your household loses when one spouse dies. And it does not coordinate the financial picture that determines whether your retirement holds together. Those conversations usually happen eventually. The earlier they happen, the more options remain.
Let's check your Medicare plan together.
Quick 10–15 minute conversation. We look at your current plan, your drugs, your doctors, and whether anything's worth adjusting.
There's no charge to talk and no obligation to decide. If it's not the right fit, I'll tell you that too.