Schedule an Appointment to get Medicare Enrollment Support through the Cambridge Council on Aging

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.

The Cambridge Council on Aging (COA) can help Cambridge residents with enrolling in Medicare during the Open Enrollment period. 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. COA has staff members who are certified SHINE counselors and provide free consultations to Cambridge residents.

Beginning on Tuesday, October 13, Cambridge residents can call COA's SHINE line* at 617-349-6055 to schedule an appointment.

Please note the following:

• Due to the limited number of SHINE counselors, we cannot guarantee that you will see a specific counselor, even if you make your appointment early.
• SHINE counselors will provide information about available options during open enrollment, but they will not choose a plan for you.
• Appointments are exclusively for matters related to open enrollment. Any other issues will require a separate appointment.
• Appointments are available by reservation only; walk-ins are not permitted.
• Each appointment is limited to one hour. A complete, updated medication list is required at each appointment.
• Appointments are strictly for the assigned individuals. We cannot provide SHINE counseling for anyone not present at the appointment.
• If you need to reschedule your appointment, please notify your assigned counselor at least 48 hours in advance. If you do not attend your scheduled appointment, we are unable to guarantee additional availability.

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. COA has staff members who are certified SHINE counselors and provide free consultations to Cambridge residents.

Older adults and caregivers can also access information about healthcare plans, providers, and other resources by visiting Medicare.gov.