SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Aging (IDoA) is reminding eligible older adults that there is assistance available when they review their Medicare plan options.
Starting Saturday, October 15, residents can begin enrolling for Medicare. Open enrollment then runs through December 7. Older residents are encouraged to utilize the Department’s free counseling assistance to help educate themselves and their caregivers about Medicare insurance options through the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
During open enrollment, eligible adults can adjust Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage; change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa); switch between Medicare Advantage plans; join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan; or switch existing drug plans or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Officials say navigating different plan options can be overwhelming, so they have counselors on hand to help seniors understand their Medicare benefits, sort through their options to find the best one for them and complete the enrollment process.
Despite the enrollment period ending in December, assistance is available year-round to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families and caregivers.
SHIP Director Sandy Leith says there are over 300 SHIP offices throughout the state.
“I encourage folks to take advantage of this service as our caring counselors will work with you to make sense of a complicated system and guide people to the best choice for healthcare for 2017. We anticipate this year to be a very busy enrollment season,” Leith adds.
SHIP can be contacted by phone through 1-800-252-8966 from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. A list of SHIP locations can also be found here.
To compare 2017 drug and health plans on your own and to find out more about Medicare, including preventive services now covered, visit the federal Medicare website. Medicare can also be reached 24/7 at 1-800-633-4227.
