Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging in Vermont
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Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment - Resources and Tips for our Community for

Melinda Martin • November 6, 2024

Out of Appointments, But Not Out of Options: Here’s How to Get the Help You Need

Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: Resources and Tips for Our Community

Each year, Medicare Open Enrollment offers an important opportunity for older adults to review their current plans, explore new options, and ensure they have the best possible coverage. At the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging, we’re dedicated to helping our community members make informed decisions. However, due to high demand, we are currently fully booked and unable to schedule additional appointments for this enrollment period. We understand the importance of these consultations, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Alternative Resources for Medicare Assistance

For those who still need guidance, Medicare has resources available 24/7. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit Medicare.gov to review and compare plans. While these resources are robust, we know that the process can still feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help make your call to Medicare as smooth as possible.

Tips for a Smoother Medicare Experience

Call During Non-Peak Hours
Medicare's call center experiences heavy call volumes, especially during the day. We recommend calling in the early morning hours, as this tends to be a quieter time. This can help reduce wait times and give you a better experience.

Have Your Medicare Card Ready
Keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card nearby when you call. This will save you time, as agents may need information directly from your card to access your account and provide personalized assistance.

Prepare Your Medications List
One of the most important aspects of choosing a Medicare plan is ensuring your medications are covered at the best possible cost. Write down a complete list of your medications and dosages ahead of time. This will allow the Medicare representative to help you find a plan that covers your prescriptions affordably.

Bring Any Notices You’ve Received
If you’ve received any recent notices from Medicare or your current insurance provider, have them on hand during your call. These documents may contain information about upcoming changes to your current plan, helping you understand whether switching plans is necessary. If you haven’t received any notices, don’t worry—Medicare representatives can still help you find the information you need.

Let Your Agent Know if You Have VPHARM or Green Mountain Care
If you are enrolled in VPHARM or Green Mountain Care, be sure to inform your agent. These programs can impact your Medicare choices, and making your agent aware of your participation can help them provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Supporting Our Community's Needs

While we wish we could accommodate everyone who needs assistance, our current resources are limited. With additional funding, we could expand our capacity to support more individuals during critical periods like Open Enrollment. If you feel strongly about increasing access to these essential services, consider reaching out to Senator Bernie Sanders to share your thoughts. Advocating for increased support can make a meaningful difference in helping us better serve our community.

Senator Bernie Sanders Contact Information:

Washington, D.C. Office:
332 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5141
Fax: (202) 228-0776

Vermont Office:
1 Church Street, 3rd Floor
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 862-0697
Toll-Free (VT only): (800) 339-9834
Fax: (802) 860-6370

You can also visit his website at sanders.senate.gov to use the contact form or learn more about his work.

We're Here for You

At the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging, we are honored to serve our community and provide support whenever we can. While we may not be able to accommodate additional Medicare appointments this season, please know that our commitment to your health and well-being remains steadfast. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or needs beyond Medicare—we’re here to help however we can.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Together, we can continue building a community where older adults thrive with dignity, connection, and support.

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Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: We’re Here to Help! Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply reviewing your current plan, understanding your options and choosing the right coverage can be a daunting task. That’s where the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging comes in. We want to make sure you have all the support and information you need to make the best choices for your health and budget. What Is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. This includes switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, changing Part D (prescription drug) plans, or even switching between Medicare Advantage Plans. With so many options and updates to plans each year, it’s crucial to review your coverage and see if your plan still meets your needs. Why It’s Important to Review Your Plan Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, changes to your plan’s premiums, co-pays, covered medications, and provider networks can have a big impact on your out-of-pocket costs. That’s why reviewing your options annually is so important. Making the right changes now can save you money and ensure you have the coverage you need. We’re Here to Help You Make the Best Choice The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging is offering two walk-in Medicare Open Enrollment Clinics to assist you in navigating your options and making informed decisions. Our certified Medicare counselors are trained to provide unbiased, honest guidance and will work with you one-on-one to find the best plan for your situation. Here’s where you can find us: 📅 Monday, November 4th from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM Goodrich Memorial Library 202 Main Street, Newport, VT 📅 Wednesday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM NVRH Conference Room 127 1315 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT What to Bring To make the most of your visit, be sure to bring: Your red, white, and blue Medicare card. A list of your current medications and dosages. Any notices you’ve received from your current plan. No appointment is needed, and all our services are free. Our counselors will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. We’re here to help you feel confident in your Medicare choices. If You Can’t Make It In Person… If attending one of our clinics isn’t convenient, don’t worry! You can call us at (802) 748-5182 or reach our helpline at (800) 642-5119 to speak with a Medicare counselor over the phone. We want to ensure every older Vermonter has access to the support and resources they need. Your Health, Your Choice Choosing a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your health. Let us help you find the right fit and feel good about your coverage for the coming year. Join us at one of our walk-in clinics, or give us a call. We’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. For more information, visit our website or stop by one of our walk-in clinics in November. We look forward to seeing you!
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