News Release
For Immediate Release

Benefits Counselors at TCOG Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment

Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2020

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 7, 2020 – TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) State-Certified Benefits Counselors are ready to assist Medicare Beneficiaries in comparing insurance plans to ensure the health and prescription drug coverage is the best plan for each individual during Medicare Open Enrollment, according to an announcement by TCOG officials made today. This assistance is available for all residents in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties from October 15 through December 7, 2020.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of the year when ALL people with Medicare can compare insurance plans to make sure they have the right medical and prescription drug coverage for the next year,” stated TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges. “An individual can elect to remain with their current plan or look for a new plan with better coverage, higher quality, and lower costs.”

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year including things like cost, coverage, and even the list of providers and pharmacies in their networks. Benefits Counselors are equipped to evaluate current healthcare plans and compare to available health plans to find individuals better coverage, higher quality and lower costs. Plans may also offer services such as nutrition services, in-home supports and home modifications to certain members with chronic conditions. Changes made during this open enrollment period will become effective January 1, 2021. In reviewing a current Medicare health or prescription drug plan, an individual needs to ensure the plan will still meet their medical needs for the following year.

During the Open Enrollment Period, an individual may choose to: switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage; from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another or drop Medicare Part D coverage altogether. If an individual did not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when first eligible, they may do so during this time of Open Enrollment.

If you are a Medicare Beneficiary, we encourage you to call our AAA office to schedule a free personal assessment to evaluate your specific medical insurance needs. We can also check to see if you qualify for Medicare Extra Help Programs.

Our Benefits Counselors are able to assist with other services such as Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits, Social Security Benefits evaluation and provide one-on-one counseling.

Before you make a decision on your Medicare Plan for 2021, review your options by receiving personalized Medicare counseling at no cost to you. Call us today to schedule a time to speak with a State certified Benefits Counselor: (903) 813-3505 option 1 or call 800-677-8264 or email jhunt@tcog.com.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.