You want your loved one to have comfort, dignity, and steady support. During Medicare Open Enrollment in Georgia, you are the one making thoughtful choices so the coming year brings less stress and more time together. Our team is here to help you steer with confidence.
This guide explains how Medicare Open Enrollment works in Georgia, what hospice covers, and the choices you can make so your loved one gets comfort-focused care without surprise costs. Everything below reflects current federal guidance and key Georgia resources, including the annual fall Open Enrollment window and the separate Medicare Advantage window early in the year.
What “Open Enrollment” Means for Your Family in Georgia
Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can review coverage and make changes for the next year. Any changes you submit by December 7 take effect on January 1. If your loved one may need hospice in the coming year, this is the right time to make sure the plan will support the care you expect.
There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31. It is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. During that window, you can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, and the change starts the first of the next month.
How Medicare Pays for Hospice
Hospice is covered under Medicare Part A when eligibility is met. That means the core hospice services are paid by Medicare when you choose comfort care for a terminal illness. Eligibility requires certification from the hospice physician and the patient’s doctor, a focus on comfort rather than cure, and an election of the hospice benefit. You can continue hospice as long as you remain eligible.
If your loved one is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and later elects hospice, hospice services are paid by Original Medicare in most cases. Medicare Advantage may still cover services that are unrelated to the terminal illness. A prior federal test allowed some Advantage plans to include and manage hospice directly, but that hospice carve-in test ended on December 31, 2024. Today, outside of research models that have concluded, hospice is generally paid by Original Medicare after election.
Tip: Ask, “Who pays for hospice if we enroll?” Your plan or broker should confirm how bills will work in your situation and which services remain under the plan.
What Hospice Actually Covers
When your family member elects hospice under Part A, the benefit typically includes:
- Nursing, aide, and social work visits focused on comfort and safety
- Medications for symptom relief related to the terminal illness
- Medical equipment and supplies such as hospital beds and oxygen
- Spiritual and emotional support for the patient and family
- Respite care options for caregivers
- 24/7 availability for urgent needs
These items and services are designed to manage pain and symptoms, not to cure the terminal illness.
Georgia Families: Where to Get No-Cost, Unbiased Help
You can speak with Georgia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling on Medicare choices. Call 1 (866) 552-4464, then choose option 4, Monday through Friday. A SHIP counselor can help you compare plans, confirm drug coverage, and understand hospice billing.
A Simple 5-Step Checklist During Open Enrollment
- List current medications and doctors. Confirm that your loved one’s prescriptions and preferred pharmacy are covered next year.
- Check the hospice network and access. Hospice is a patient choice. Ask how hospice is paid if your loved one elects it, and whether prior authorization is required for any non-hospice services.
- Review costs. Look at premiums, deductibles, and copays for 2026 plan year materials. Even small changes can affect budgets.
- Confirm Medicare Advantage options. If you want the flexibility to return to Original Medicare for any reason, know that you can do so between January 1 and March 31 if you are already in an Advantage plan.
- Call Georgia SHIP for a second look. A 20-minute call can prevent costly misunderstandings.
Common Questions From Georgia Caregivers
- Can we start hospice while keeping our current doctor?
Yes. Your primary physician can stay involved. Hospice adds a team that focuses on comfort and support. - Will hospice force us to stop all treatments?
You choose comfort-focused care for the terminal illness. Many supportive treatments continue when they manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Your team explains what is included case by case. - What if we enroll in hospice and then improve?
You can revoke hospice at any time and return to standard Medicare coverage. If the condition later qualifies again, you can re-elect the benefit. - What happens with medications?
Medications related to the terminal illness are covered under the hospice benefit. Unrelated medications may continue under your drug plan. Your hospice nurse will help sort this. - Is there a penalty for changing plans?
There is no penalty for using Open Enrollment periods. Separate late enrollment penalties can apply for Part B or Part D if someone delays beyond first eligibility without creditable coverage. If you are unsure, speak with SHIP to check your situation.
Quick Planning Timeline For 2026 Coverage
- Now through December 7, 2025: Compare plans during fall Open Enrollment for the 2026 plan year. Changes begin January 1, 2026.
- January 1 to March 31, 2026: If enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you may switch plans or go back to Original Medicare once during this period. Coverage starts the first day of the month after you switch.
How Golden Rule Hospice Supports Your Family
Your family deserves prompt help, clear communication, and neighbor-like care. Our team coordinates with your doctors, helps organize medications and equipment, and provides emotional and spiritual support for everyone involved. We also offer guidance during plan reviews so you understand how hospice is covered under Medicare and what to expect next.
Talk to a Hospice Team Today
Call (470) 395-6567 for guidance or send us a message online. During Medicare Open Enrollment, our nurses can walk you through how hospice is covered under Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, what changes start on January 1, and how to avoid surprise costs.
We serve families across metro Atlanta, including Fulton, Forsyth, Cobb, Cherokee, and Gwinnett counties, as well as surrounding communities. Reach out today so your Open Enrollment decisions support comfort, clarity, and peace of mind.
