{"id":637435,"date":"2026-10-09T09:00:50","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T13:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=637435"},"modified":"2026-10-27T09:54:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T13:54:02","slug":"how-pharmacists-can-help-with-medicare-open-enrollment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-with-medicare-open-enrollment\/","title":{"rendered":"How pharmacists can help patients through Medicare Open Enrollment"},"content":{"rendered":"

For around six weeks each fall, pharmacists see a rise in questions about Medicare coverage<\/a>. October 15 to December 7 is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. During this time, plans often make changes to premiums, copays, formularies, and pharmacy networks that go into effect January 1. Yet one analysis of Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data found that almost 70% of beneficiaries don\u2019t check their coverage changes or compare options. By the time January comes around, patients may be confused about why their copay tripled or their medication is no longer covered.<\/p>\n

Why pharmacists become the go-to during Open Enrollment<\/b><\/h2>\n

Most patients stop by the pharmacy more often than their doctor\u2019s office, whether it\u2019s to pick up prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other basic health supplies. They also have easy access to a pharmacy team member who has their medication history and insurance information at the click of a button.<\/p>\n

For many pharmacists, building strong relationships with patients is a key part of their work. A 2026 survey found that 93% of adults<\/a> have a preferred pharmacy and more than half had spoken with a pharmacist about a medication in the past year. The pharmacy counter is a convenient place to ask questions, especially when it comes to insurance.<\/p>\n

What pharmacists can (and can’t) say about Medicare plans<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has strict anti-steering and anti-kickback rules when discussing Medicare plans with patients. In general, you can explain how benefits work, help clarify any Medicare terms, and hand out CMS support materials. You can also direct patients to get more information from Medicare.gov<\/a> or a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can\u2019t do is steer patients toward a specific plan. In other words, the pharmacy counter is not where patients should be enrolling in Medicare plans.<\/p>\n

Consider using the following language when talking about Medicare coverage.<\/p>\n