Benefits Counselors with the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (AAACAP), a CAPCOG division, kicked off the Medicare Open Enrollment — October 15 through December 7 — by providing dozens of educational, community presentations and are now helping older adults assess their coverage and navigate the enrollment process each day with one-on-one phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person meetings.
“It’s still early for open enrollment, and we have been helping about 15 people a day,” said Yvette McVey, AAACAP lead benefits counselor. “We would like encourage anyone in the region seeking help to change their Medicare coverage to do so sooner than later; it is only going to get busier, and the holidays are around the corner.” Those looking for assistance should have their current Medicare information and complete a pre-enrollment form at capcog.org/divisions/area-agency-on-aging#moe to better facilitate the process. For those calling for their loved ones — parents, spouses, or family members — it can be beneficial to have them available to discuss their coverage, medications and benefit needs.
Medicare open enrollment is the period when beneficiaries can join a new Medicare Advantage plan or join a new stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). They also can return to original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan from a Medicare Advantage plan.
Those 65 years old or older can reach AAACAP Benefits Counselors at [email protected] or 512-916-6178 or 888-622-9111 to schedule appointments.
