By March, many retirees have received their first surprise of the year — a medical or prescription bill that didn’t look quite right.

The new year resets deductibles, copays, and drug plan phases. What felt affordable in December can look very different in January and February.

Here are three common reasons bills change:

Deductibles Reset
Medicare Part B has an annual deductible. Prescription drug plans may also have deductibles that start over January 1.

Drug Pricing Phases
Even with recent improvements to Part D, your costs can vary depending on where you are in the coverage stages.

Network or Plan Changes
Doctors, medical groups, and pharmacies can shift contracts at the start of the year.

As a PERA retiree I know that system and can assist with evaluation there too.

This isn’t about panic — it’s about clarity.

If you’ve opened a bill and thought, “That doesn’t look right,” don’t ignore it. Often it’s explainable. Sometimes it’s fixable.

Before you assume it’s just luck this St. Patrick’s Day, take a closer look. A short conversation now can protect your retirement dollars all year long.

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer 106 products in your area.Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program(SHIP) to get information on all of your options.