INDIANAPOLIS — It is that time of year when people are allowed to switch up their health care plan.
For Medicare, open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
For employers, the timeframe varies, but it's typically in the fall.
Elizabeth Ayoola with NerdWallet said the first question to ask yourself in both cases is, what's your health situation?
"Sometimes, unfortunately, people develop new health conditions," Ayoola said, "and that might mean that you need a plan with more coverage, or maybe you've started taking new prescription drugs."
Ayoola said, after you address health costs, think about your location.
For example, if you spend winters in another state, original Medicare might make more sense than Medicare Advantage.
"It has more flexibility in terms of, you can take Original Medicare, and you can go to any doctor in the country, as long as they accept Medicare."
That is because the original Medicare is managed by Uncle Sam and Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private companies.
As a result, Advantage plans could limit in-network doctors.
The final question: what's your income?
Medicare Advantage plans resemble employer plans, meaning there are more budget based options.
"It has the different deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, so it just depends on which provider that you go with," Ayoola said.
Just keep in mind that if you sign up for Medicare Advantage, then try to switch back to Original Medicare, you may pay a higher price or lose your Medigap all together.