Certified Benefits Counselors Available to Assist You With Medicare Open Enrollment
East Texas Area Agency on Aging • October 6, 2021
People with Medicare have more choices and options for their Medicare coverage in 2022 with historically low premiums. Plan costs and covered benefits have changed, so the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) encourages people with Medicare to look at their coverage choices and decide the options that best fit their health needs. Open Enrollment for 2021 Medicare health and drug plans begins on October 15, 2021, and ends December 7, 2021, giving individuals a chance to modify their plans.
The changes Medicare recipients can make during Open Enrollment include:
- Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan
- Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)
Beneficiaries should always shop for a new drug plan, and Medicare Advantage plan each year to ensure they are getting the best coverage for the best price to suit their needs. Plans can be viewed and compared at www.medicare.gov.
"Medicare Open Enrollment provides beneficiaries a chance to compare plans whether it be standalone prescription plans or Medicare Advantage Plans. There are many things to consider when comparing plans such as premiums, deductibles, co-pays, gaps in coverage, preferred pharmacies, and convenience. The Benefits Counselors are non-biased, certified advocates that can assist beneficiaries through this process and help them make changes if they decide too," said Juanita Beason, Lead Benefits Counselor.
The AAA is also known as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and is available to compare your current coverage with available options and assist you with enrollment at no cost. Speak to a qualified Benefits Counselor by calling 1-800-442-8845. You may set up an appointment and be advised over the phone or by virtual meeting.
Be on alert for these Medicare Open Enrollment scams:
- Medicare or a health plan calls and wants to send you a new health card for $299.
- You receive a call about a refund from last year’s premiums or your drug plan cost.
- An agent tries to sign you up for a plan that you don’t need, isn’t right for you, or doesn’t even exist.
- Watch out for fake RX cards offering significant discounts with little or no benefits.
- You receive a call offering significant discounts on a new health insurance plan.
Tips on how to stop fraud during Open Enrollment:
- Medicare will never call or visit. Medicare will only send information via postal mail service.
- Guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card.
- Don’t give out your Medicare number except to your doctor or other providers.
- Don’t let someone push you into making a fast decision.
- If you receive a call, especially from a number you do not recognize or anyone requesting personal information, hang up immediately.
- Know your health care options. Get help from your family, the Medicare website, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
- No health care plan is allowed to cold call.
For questions about fraud or to report a scam, please contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-888-341-6187.
Assistance is available to find and compare 2027 health and drug plans now.
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is partnering with First Christian Church in Jacksonville to offer a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for Seniors and Caregivers. The informative workshop will be held Thursday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church Sanctuary, 1920 Beaumont Street in Jacksonville. Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center, the session will help attendees better understand legal and planning issues that can affect older adults and their families. Topics will include wills and trusts, deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, and senior services. This free presentation is designed to give seniors and caregivers practical information to help prepare for life’s challenges and make informed decisions about the future. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
