Texoma Senior Sourcebook 2022
September 22, 2022Community Services Advisory Council
October 12, 2022Benefits Counselors at TCOG Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TCOG Benefits Counselors Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2022
Our Area Agency on Aging benefits counselors are available to give free, personalized Medicare counseling and assist in the selection of the best medical and prescription plan coverage.
SHERMAN, OCTOBER 11, 2022 –
TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) State-Certified Benefits Counselors are ready to assist Medicare Beneficiaries in comparing insurance plans to ensure their health and prescription drug coverage is the best it can be during Medicare Open Enrollment, according to an announcement by TCOG officials today. This assistance is available for all residents in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties from October 15th through December 7th, 2022.
“Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of year for anyone who is enrolled in Medicare to re-evaluate their current plans and make changes that best fit their coverage needs”, stated Aging Services Director, Cara Lavender. “Individuals can take advantage of our no cost service to get information about others plans that may provide better coverage, higher quality care and lower premiums”.
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to costs, provider listings, pharmacies, and overall coverage each year. TCOG’s Benefits Counselors are equipped to evaluate healthcare plans to help individuals find better coverage with higher quality at a lower cost.
Plans may also offer services such as nutritional services, in-home supports and home modifications to individuals with documented chronic conditions. Because changes made during this open enrollment period become effective January 1, 2023, when reviewing a current Medicare health or prescription drug plan, individuals should be sure 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/Traditional 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 they first became eligible, they may do so during this time.
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 Health Programs to save you each month on premiums.
Our Benefits Counselors are able to assist with other services such as Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits, Social Security Benefits evaluations and provide one-on-one counseling.
Before you make a decision on your Medicare Plan for 2023, review your options by receiving personalized Medicare counseling at no cost to you by a trained professional. Call us today to schedule a time to speak with a State-Certified Benefits Counselor: 903-813-3505 option 1 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.
