MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS), along with the 13 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), encourage Alabamians with Medicare to take the opportunity during the Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) to review their current health and prescription drug coverage plans to ensure their Medicare plan is still the right one for them. Each year Medicare insurance plans can change, and each year there is a 
period known as open enrollment, which is the time for Medicare recipients to review and modify their medical and prescription drug coverage. Since this process can be difficult and sometimes frustrating, , which is administered by ADSS and the AAAs, is available to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed choices regarding their health insurance benefits. At no cost, SHIP counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers understand their current Medicare benefits; help determine which Medicare Prescription Drug Plan best suits their needs; answer 
questions about Medigap, Medicare Advantage and other health insurance programs for seniors; can assist in Medicare claims or appeals and other similar issues; and can refer beneficiaries to other services they may be eligible to receive. “Seniors rely heavily on assistance when comparing the many Medicare plans available to ensure they choose the best one for their 
situation. Without programs such as SHIP, our seniors could miss out on benefits and services that are vital to their wellbeing,” explained Neal G. Morrison, Commissioner of the Alabama Department
of Senior Services. He added, “even if you like your current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, it could still be changing next year. You should always check with SHIP to see what your plan will be covering next year and make sure it still fits your needs.” State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors and volunteers are currently holding free enrollment events across the State to help Alabamians select the Medicare plan that best fits their needs. Call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) to find an event near you. Call your local SHIP counselor TODAY for a FREE plan comparison and to learn if you qualify for additional services! For more information, visit www.AlabamaAgeline.gov.
For more information, contact Arleen Alexander at (334) 242-5760 or by email at arleen.alexander@adss.alabama.gov.
MENDIA RELEASE/Alabama Department of Senior Services /Arleen Alexander
