Council on Aging Provides Support, Information During Medicare Open Enrollment Period, October 15 - December 7

Are you turning 65 soon and losing your employer-based health insurance coverage? Are you currently receiving Medicare and interested in updating your coverage? Medicare's annual Open Enrollment period is from October 15 through December 7. It is the only time of year that Medicare enrollees can review coverage, compare benefits and premiums, and make changes based on current health status, medications, and finances.

The Serving Health Information Needs of Everyone (SHINE) Program is a state-wide program that provides free health insurance information and assistance for Medicare-eligible adults and their caregivers. The Cambridge Council on Aging (COA) has three staff members who are certified SHINE counselors and provide free consultations to Cambridge residents. Beginning the week of October 13, eligible Cambridge residents can make an appointment for a SHINE consultation through COA by calling 617-359-6055.

Additionally, the Cambridge Council on Aging is holding two presentations to provide information about Medicare:

Monday, October 27
Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave.
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 29
Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave.
1 - 2 p.m.

These presentations are open to Cambridge adults age 65 and older and caregivers. No registration is needed.

Older adults and caregivers can also access information about healthcare plans, providers, and other resources by visiting Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with someone on the phone. The phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except for some federal holidays. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.