The Ohio Department of Insurance publishes a monthly newsletter covering the latest developments that affect Senior Health Insurance in Ohio. The newsletter can be read online at insurance.ohio.gov. Here are the highlights we selected of the December 2025 edition:

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7th

With just around a week left in Medicare’s open enrollment period, many Ohioans are making their final decisions about their health and drug coverage for next year. For those who still need help comparing plans or have questions before the deadline, several resources remain available.

Individuals can call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) at any time, day or night, for assistance with plan searches and general questions through Dec. 7. The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program hotline staff at 800-686-1578 are also available to offer guidance but not the last two days of open enrollment as OSHIIP’s offices are closed on weekends. People may also contact their plan directly to confirm coverage details, check drug costs, or ask specific questions.

Some have noticed that Medicare’s plan-finder tool at medicare.gov can show inconsistent results, so it is recommended that individuals keep notes or screenshots of their searches and verify information with the plan itself.

Special Enrollment Period: Getting a Plan Non-Renewal Notice and Understanding Next Steps

In Ohio, some Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug plans (Part D) will not be renewing their contracts with Medicare for 2026. Individuals affected by this will receive a Notice of Non-Renewal from the plan, stating that coverage ends on December 31st.

This notice reminds recipients to choose a new plan for the coming year and includes a list of options for Medicare coverage, including a special right to purchase a Medigap policy.

If a new plan is selected by Dec. 31, coverage will begin on Jan. 1. If this deadline is missed, a Special Enrollment Period of an additional 63 days is available to select a plan. If no new plan is chosen by Dec. 31, Medicare will automatically enroll the individual in Original Medicare for standard medical coverage.

For those receiving Extra Help, if the plan is terminating and no action is taken by Dec. 31, Medicare will automatically enroll the individual in a Part D plan to ensure continued coverage starting Jan. 1. This automatic enrollment guarantees uninterrupted drug coverage, although the new plan may not include the same providers, benefits, or costs. Affected individuals are also granted a Special Enrollment Period from Dec. 8 through February, during which a different plan can be selected to better meet coverage needs.

Ohioans with Medicare are encouraged to review options carefully. For help comparing plans, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227), or contact the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at 800-686-1578.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Starts Jan. 1

Another open enrollment period is approaching.

The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31. If someone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which ends Dec. 7, they may make one change between Jan. 1 and March 31. During this time, they can:

1) Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without prescription drug coverage).

2) Return to Original Medicare.

3) Enroll in a standalone Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

Any changes will take effect on the first day of the month after the new plan receives the request.

OSHIIP representatives are available at 800-686-1578 to answer any questions.

Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Next Generation MyCare Program to Roll Out in 2026

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is implementing its Next Generation MyCare program beginning in January 2026. The program will better serve Ohioans who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid healthcare coverage.

To allow for a smooth transition, the Next Generation MyCare program will roll out in two phases, beginning with each of the 29 counties where MyCare Ohio is currently available. Statewide expansion of the MyCare program will follow as quickly as possible. This phased timeline allows ODM to work with providers and advocates to minimize any disruptions.

Since MyCare services are often coordinated by Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the phased timeline is organized around the AAA regions and the counties they serve. Click here for details about the full rollout approach.

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More Medicare news specific to Ohio can be found at insurance.ohio.gov/medicare. And additional insurance information and resources can be found by selecting the “Medicaid & Medicare” or “Private Insurance” category tabs on our Social Service “Utilization Library” page.