Medicare changes afoot for region

Medicare Open Enrollment is underway.

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon’s free Medicare counseling services are ready to assist. The Open Enrollment period, running from October 15 to December 7, is the critical time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year.

This year brings important changes for Medicare Advantage plan holders in Central Oregon. Starting January 1, 2025, Moda and Regence will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans in the region. Beneficiaries impacted by this change should have already received direct communication from their carriers regarding the discontinuation of coverage.

If you’re affected by this change or simply want to reassess your Medicare options for the coming year, the Council on Aging’s State Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) volunteers are available to help. This program offers free, unbiased counseling to help you navigate your Medicare options and select the coverage that best meets your needs. The areas their counselors can provide guidance on include, but are not limited to:

• Medicare Part A and Part B

• Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)

• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).

• Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs and PPOs)

• Long-term care insurance

• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB and QI)

• Prescription drug assistance programs or drug discount cards offered by your state and pharmaceutical companies

• Medicaid and other insurance programs (including free or reduced-fee health care programs)

• Medicare scams and fraud prevention.

To schedule a phone or in-person appointment with a SHIBA volunteer, or to learn more, contact the Council on Aging at 541-678-5483 or visit their website at http://www.councilonaging.org. For SHIBA counseling in Spanish, call 541-325-6837.