What's New for Medicare in 2021
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs • January 20, 2021
Medicare Advantage Plan costs
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, your plan administers your Part B coverage. Remember that most people with Medicare, whether they have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, pay the Part B monthly premium. Some people with a Medicare Advantage Plan may also pay an additional monthly premium for being enrolled in that plan.
If you have the same Medicare Advantage Plan in 2021 as you did in 2020, your plan should have sent you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) notice explaining any changes for the coming year.
Review this notice to understand your plan’s costs, covered services, and rules. Contact your plan if you did not receive these documents in the fall or want another copy. If you chose a new Medicare Advantage Plan, you should get an EOC for the new plan. Review that document to understand the costs associated with the plan for 2021.
When can I change my Medicare coverage in 2021?
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), you can switch from your Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan or to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan. The MA OEP occurs from January 1 through March 31. Changes made during this period are effective the first of the following month.
If you have Extra Help in 2021, you have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a Part D plan or switch between plans.
This SEP is available once per calendar quarter for the first three quarters of the year (January-March, April-June, and July-September). If you use the Extra Help SEP to change your coverage, the change will become effective the following month.
If you qualify for another Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to make changes to your Medicare health/drug coverage. For example, you may have an SEP if you move outside of your plan’s service area or If you think a government employee made a mistake while assisting you. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to use an SEP, and contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by calling 877-839-2675 for more information.
Who can I contact if I have Medicare-related questions?
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):
Contact your SHIP if you have questions about changes in costs and coverage of your Medicare in 2021. SHIP counselors provide unbiased Medicare counseling and assistance. Contact Juanita Beason with the East Texas Area Agency on Aging at juanita.beason@etcog.org or 1-800-442-8845.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP):
Contact your SMP (1-888-341-6187) if you believe you have enrolled in a plan based on misleading information or were enrolled in a plan without your knowledge. SMPs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.
1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227):
Call 1-800-MEDICARE to use an SEP, to request another copy of the Medicare & You handbook, or for more information about your 2021 coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan:
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan, contact your plan to ask about changes in your costs or coverage for 2021. You may also contact your Medicare Advantage Plan if you are using the MA OEP to switch plans.
The East Texas Area Agency on Aging (ETAAA), a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), is inviting the public to review and comment on our 2027 to 2029 Area Plan. ETAAA serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Planning and Service Area 4, a fourteen-county region in East Texas. The Area Plan outlines our strategy to strengthen the Aging Services Network and address the needs of people age 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. It also guides how we plan, coordinate, and oversee services supported by the Older Americans Act and other state and local initiatives. Our mission is to serve as the region’s leader in advocating for and delivering services that enable older adults to live independently, with dignity and purpose, in their homes and communities. Our vision, “Age Well, Live Well, ” reflects a person-centered approach focused on better choices, improved health, and access to nutritious food. We call it “Serving One Senior at a Time.” The 2027–2029 Area Plan is guided by a needs assessment incorporating data, service trends, and stakeholder input. Key priority needs include access to home- and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition and food security, social isolation, healthcare access and chronic disease management, and improved service coordination and system navigation. How to share your input Public comments will be accepted through April 26, 2026 . Submit comments by mail or email: Mail: Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662 Email: Colleen.Halliburton@etcog.org
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) opened a new congregate meal site in Marshall on Monday, December 15th. Older adults, aged 60 and up, eligible for the Senior Nutrition Program will be able to enjoy a hot lunch, good conversation, and a friendly place to gather. Location George Washington Carver Community Center 2302 Holland St Marshall, TX 75670 Meal Hours Monday–Thursday 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Phone 903-923-8410 The Senior Nutrition Program supports adults age 60 and older through both congregate meals and home-delivered meals. These meals follow dietary guidelines and help older adults stay connected and healthy. For folks who can’t travel, home-delivered meals bring food, a wellness check, and a bit of company to their door. How to Enroll Adults age 60 and older can join the Senior Nutrition Program by contacting the provider for their county listed at: easttexasaaa.org/nutrition , or by receiving a referral from AAA staff. Caregivers who care for someone receiving home-delivered meals may also be referred for services by calling AAA. The Carver Community Center site will give more Marshall and Harrison County residents a place to eat, visit, and keep a steady routine. If you or someone you know could benefit, contact the AAA for assistance!
