Your health needs, as well as, the benefits and costs of your current prescription drug plan, change from year to year. It is essential to evaluate your Medicare choices and options regularly.
The Medicare Annual Election Period held between October 15th and December 7th is the one time during the year when those eligible for Medicare can review their prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) options or make changes to their current coverage.
Navigating this system may seem complicated, but through a partnership with NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Department of Insurance citizens in Currituck County can meet with trained counselors through a statewide program called SHIIP, which stands for Senior Health
Insurance Information Program. Medicare beneficiaries and their families can meet with a trained volunteer counselor to evaluate their prescription drug coverage.
To schedule an appointment with a trained counselor, please contact the Currituck County Extension Office at 252-232-2261. Appointments are available via phone or in person starting on October 17th and ending on December 5th.
Appointment slots fill up quickly so call to schedule your Medicare check-up today.
It is worth reviewing and comparing your Medicare prescription drug plan options, but remember you don’t have to navigate the system alone. There are representatives from Medicare and SHIIP who are available to help.
If you cannot make it to the SHIIP site in Currituck County at the Extension Office, try some of these other options:
- Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with other options that are available in your area and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.
- Contact the state Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for assistance over the phone at 1-855-408-1212
If you would like more information, please contact Olivia Patchel via phone at 252-232-2261 or email olivia_patchel@ncsu.edu.