News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TCOG Benefits Counselors Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment Period

Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2021

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 14, 2021 – TCOG’s State-Certified Benefits Counselors are ready to assist Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County residents in the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Personalized assistance will be available starting tomorrow, October 15 through December 7, 2021, at no cost to you.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is a time for any individual with Medicare to compare insurance plans to make sure they have the right coverage for the upcoming year,” stated TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges. “Our Area Agency on Aging counselors are available to give free, personalized Medicare counseling and assist in the selection of the best medical and prescription plan coverage.”

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to costs and coverage, as well as their list of in-network providers each year. TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Benefits Counselors are equipped to evaluate healthcare plans to find individuals better coverage with higher quality at a lower cost.

“It is important for Medicare Beneficiaries to check coverage costs and compare with a few other plans to ensure their choice best fits their medical and prescription needs,” stated Sheila Vaughn, one of TCOG’s benefits counseling specialists. “For most Medicare Beneficiaries, this is the only time of year to make these changes.”

Bridges noted that any changes made during this time are not effective until January 1, 2022.

In addition to providing one-on-one counseling, our Benefits Counselors are able to help with other services such as Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits and the evaluation of Social Security Benefits. They can also check to see if you qualify for Medicare Extra Help Programs.

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.

Before deciding on a Medicare plan for 2022, discuss your options with one of our State-Certified Benefits Counselors. To schedule an appointment, call (903) 813-3505 or toll-free (800) 677-8264.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the 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. Either directly, or 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.