Cullman Senior Fall 2020 | Page 7

MEDICARE PART D MAKE A NOTE Medicare Open Enrollment comes just once a year and you don’t want to miss it! October 15 through December 7 is the one time during the year that all Medicare beneficiaries can change plans. New plans take effect on January 1. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling on plan options. The North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) has partnered with the Cullman Commission on Aging (COA) for 15 years to provide trained SHIP counselors for beneficiaries in the area. One on one counseling services are available by phone and in person through the open enrollment period. Counselors receive training and are knowledgeable on plan options available. They can help walk individuals through the options and assist with enrollment into most plans. The counselors cannot offer advice on which plan or product to choose. The final plan decision is always the beneficiaries. We understand that Medicare can be confusing for those who may be new to Medicare and even for “seasoned” Medicare beneficiaries. Let us help you navigate the Medicare maze this fall. The most current information on area event schedules, appointments and counseling options will be posted on our website and Facebook page. You can view this information at www.narcog.org or www.facebook.com/narcogal. Contact NARCOG at 1-800-243-5463 or the Commission on Aging at 256-734-1241. CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE FALL 2020 | 7