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

People raising hands in a bright community hall with colorful tablecloths and folding chairs

Marshall-Harrison County Health District to Host “Navigating Aging” Class

By Marshall - Harrison County Health Department • July 13, 2026
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.

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!
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