Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in New Braunfels: What Seniors Need to Know

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, there is an important opportunity early each year to review your coverage and make a change if your plan is no longer meeting your needs. This window is called the Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), and it is one of the most misunderstood parts of Medicare.

At Turning 65 Solutions, our local Medicare team—led by Ron Ray, with guidance from Peyton Hanigan and client support from Kristin Dickey—helps New Braunfels seniors understand whether this enrollment period applies to them and whether a change truly makes sense.

What Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs every year from January 1 through March 31.

This enrollment period is only available to individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan as of January 1. It exists to give seniors a chance to correct a plan choice that is not working as expected—without waiting an entire year.

What Changes Can You Make During MA Open Enrollment?

During this period, eligible beneficiaries may make one of the following changes:

Switch to a Different Medicare Advantage Plan

You may move from your current Medicare Advantage plan to another option among the available Medicare Advantage plans in New Braunfels.

Drop Medicare Advantage and Return to Original Medicare

You may leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you choose this option, you may also enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan and apply for Medicare Supplement options. Medical underwriting may apply in most cases.

Once a change is made, coverage typically begins on the first day of the following month.

What You Cannot Do During This Enrollment Period

• You cannot move from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan
• You cannot make multiple plan changes
• You cannot enroll in a standalone Part D plan unless you are leaving Medicare Advantage

Because this enrollment period allows only one change, getting guidance before acting is critical.

Why New Braunfels Seniors Use This Enrollment Period

Ron Ray, Peyton Hanigan, and Kristin Dickey regularly meet with local seniors who use this period because:

• Their doctors or specialists are no longer in-network
• Prescription drug costs increased unexpectedly
• Copays or out-of-pocket maximums are higher than expected
• The plan looked good during Annual Enrollment but did not work well in real life
• They want more flexibility with providers in New Braunfels or nearby San Antonio

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment Period

Many people confuse the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period with the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7).

Annual Enrollment Period: Allows broad plan changes for most Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: A limited correction window for individuals already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Think of Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment as a second opportunity to get your coverage right.

Why Work With a Local Medicare Team?

Medicare Advantage plans are highly local. Provider networks, hospitals, pharmacies, and plan benefits can vary significantly even within Texas.

Working with a local Medicare agent in New Braunfels means:

• Doctor and hospital networks are verified locally
• Prescription costs are reviewed using nearby pharmacies
• You have a real office and real people to contact
• Ongoing support throughout the year—not just during enrollment

Turning 65 Solutions was founded by Ron Ray on the belief that Medicare guidance should be personal, local, and in the client’s best interest. Peyton Hanigan provides advanced expertise as a licensed Medicare agent and Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA), while Kristin Dickey ensures each client experience is handled with clarity and care.

Should You Make a Change?

You are not required to make a change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. However, a review may be worthwhile if:

• You are unhappy with your current plan
• You delayed care due to cost
• You received unexpected medical bills
• You do not fully understand how your plan works

A short review now can help prevent costly surprises later in the year.

Get Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Help in New Braunfels

If you or a loved one are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and would like a second opinion during Open Enrollment, the Turning 65 Solutions team is here to help.

Serving New Braunfels, Comal County, Guadalupe County, and the greater Hill Country

Schedule a Medicare review today with Ron Ray, Peyton Hanigan, or Kristin Dickey.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute plan enrollment advice. Medicare plan availability and benefits vary by location.