Free Medicare Open Enrollment Help Is Available
Medicare Open Enrollment is coming soon, and the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is ready to help seniors and caregivers make informed choices about Medicare coverage for the year ahead.
From October 15 through December 7, people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes to their Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. This is an important opportunity to ensure a plan continues to meet an individual’s health needs, prescription needs, and budget.
During Open Enrollment, beneficiaries may be able to:
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
- Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or return to Original Medicare
- Review changes to premiums, deductibles, copays, covered medications, preferred pharmacies, and provider networks
Plans can change from year to year, and so can a person’s medications, doctors, and health care needs. Before making a selection, seniors and caregivers should consider questions such as: Are current prescriptions still covered? Is the pharmacy still preferred? Are trusted physicians still in-network? Could another plan better fit current health needs and monthly budget?
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Certified Benefits Counselor Nellie Henry is available to help beneficiaries and caregivers understand Medicare options, compare health and prescription drug plans, review Medicare-related costs, and explore programs that may help lower expenses. There is no cost and no sales pressure...just reliable, local help.
To schedule a free appointment, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
