Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Today - Explore Your Options with our Certified Benefits Counselors

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • October 15, 2024

Assistance is available to find and compare 2025 health and drug plans now
 

East Texas, October 15, 2024: Medicare Open Enrollment runs from now until December 7, and people with Medicare will have more coverage options to consider. Plan costs and covered benefits have changed, so our Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is offering benefits counseling assistance to encourage Medicare recipients to review their coverage choices and decide on the options that best fit their health needs.

 

 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)

 

"Today marks the first day of Medicare Open Enrollment! It's the perfect time to review your Medicare coverage and make any necessary changes. Did you know that we serve as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and can provide free, unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries? Whether you need assistance understanding your coverage options, comparing plans, or enrolling in a new plan, we can provide personalized assistance, " said AAA's Lead Benefits Counselor, Juanita Beason.

 

For assistance, please call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-442-8845 to speak to a qualified benefits counselor. Appointments can be made over the phone, in a virtual meeting, or in person.

 

Local Open Enrollment presentations:

Benefits counselors will also be available for appointments at these community events during Open Enrollment. To reserve your spot, call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-442-8845.


  • Thursday, November 7   9 AM to 3 PM – George Washington Carver Community Center, 2302 Holland St, Marshall, TX 75670
  • Wednesday, November 13   9 AM to 2:30 PM – Panola Senior Complex, 101 Senior Ave. Carthage, TX 75633
  • Tuesday, November 19   9 AM to 3 PM – Palestine Resource Center, 421 Avenue A. Palestine TX 75801
  • Thursday, November 21   9 AM to 3 PM – Habitat for Humanity of Camp County, 447 Mt. Pleasant St. Pittsburg, TX 75686


Medicare plans can be viewed and compared at www.medicare.gov

Visit https://www.easttexasaaa.org/open-enrollment to request an appointment

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
Champion Your Health poster with older adult holding a child on a purple background

Area Agency on Aging to Host Three Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 30, 2026
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
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