Benefits counselors with Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (AAACAP), a CAPCOG division, started preparing older adults to review and possibly change their Medicare coverage before the start of the Medicare open enrollment period, October 15 to December 7. In early October, the counselors participated in an AGE of Central Texas webinar that covered what older adults, or their caregivers, need to know about open enrollment and how to get assistance.
Each year, AAACAP benefits counselors assist older adults by navigating them through open enrollment which can include reviewing their existing plans, informing them about cost saving programs such as the Low Income Subsidy Program and the Medicare Saving Program, and educating them on other coverage options. As part of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, benefits counselors provide unbiased information and do not select a person’s Medicare coverage.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, counselors will work with older adults mostly via phone calls and web-based video calls but will schedule in-person appointments on a limited, as needed basis. Cities and counties can promote benefits counseling services by sharing information about open enrollment from capcog.org/divisions/area-agency-on-aging#moe, and telling residents to call 512-916-6178 or 888-622-9111 for assistance. Video from the Age of Central Texas webinar and other Medicare enrollment tips are available at the web address.
