With Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period approaching, Jewish Family Services (JFS) is offering free, confidential, one-on-one counseling to help older adults and Medicare beneficiaries review their coverage and understand their options.
Counseling is provided by trained community volunteers who are not affiliated with insurance companies and do not sell insurance plans. Their role is to provide unbiased information and help individuals better understand their choices so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During that time, beneficiaries review their current coverage and determine whether it continues to meet their needs.
Plans can change from year to year, including premiums, deductibles, covered medications and pharmacy networks. Beneficiaries’ own healthcare needs can change as well, making the annual review an opportunity to determine whether their current coverage still meets their needs.
“Both Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plans are updated yearly with different benefits and prices, so everyone on Medicare should examine their options during open enrollment. I became a Medicare counselor so I could help people get unbiased advice and choose the right plan for them,” said Don Goldman, one of JFS’ two Medicare counselors.
A Medicare counselor can help beneficiaries compare plans, understand coverage differences and identify questions to consider before making a decision.
Medicare counseling is also available to people approaching Medicare eligibility. For those who are 64, learning about Medicare before turning 65 can provide time to understand the different parts of Medicare, consider healthcare needs and prepare for enrollment deadlines.
JFS counselors can provide information about Medicare and answer questions without representing a particular insurance company or plan.
Appointments are available at both JFS office locations in Kansas and Missouri, as well as through other available appointment options. Medicare counseling is free, confidential and unbiased.
To schedule an appointment, email or call 913-730-1473.
