Katy Medicare Enrollment: Final Weeks Before the December 7 Deadline
Published November 1, 2026 · By Joseph Stevens
What to check in the final weeks
- Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter — it lists every change to your plan for next year
- Your prescriptions against next year's drug list and pharmacy pricing
- Your doctors and hospitals against the new provider directory
- The new out-of-pocket maximum and any changed copays
The most common December surprises
Every January we meet Katy residents who stayed put and discovered a medication moved to a higher tier, a specialist left the network, or a premium jumped. A 20-minute review in November prevents all three.
Local networks worth verifying
If you use Houston Methodist West, Memorial Hermann Katy, Memorial Hermann Cypress or HCA Houston Healthcare Katy, confirm each facility and your specific doctors — not just the hospital brand — for the coming plan year. Because Katy spans Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties, available plans depend on your county of residence.
After December 7
Miss the deadline and most people are locked into their current plan until next fall. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) allows one plan switch, but only if you're already on an Advantage plan — it doesn't let you join one from Original Medicare.
FAQs
When does Medicare Annual Enrollment end?
December 7. Changes made by that date take effect January 1. After that, most people can't change plans until the following fall.
Do I have to do anything if I like my current plan?
You'll be auto-renewed, but your plan's price, drug list and network can all change January 1. Reviewing your ANOC letter takes minutes and can save real money.
Does a plan review with an agent cost anything?
No. There is never a fee for Medicare help — your premium is identical whether you enroll directly or through a licensed agent.
Need help applying this to your situation?
Free, no-pressure call with a licensed Texas agent.