Navigating Medicare; Resources to Help You Choose

The Medicare Open Enrollment period occurs every year from October 15th through December 7th. Coverage changes take January 1st. Medicare became part of the fabric of America when it was signed into law in 1965. It’s the program older Americans turn to for their health care coverage.  Medicare is not a health care provider. Under the program, you make your own choices about how you get medical and wellness care, and from whom. Medicare is simply a payment program like any other health insurance. This year it will help more than 63 million people pay for everything from hospital stays to doctor visits to prescription drugs.

At 65, you become eligible for the program there are many options so you can sign up for the coverage that meets your health needs and budget.

There’s a lot of information to get through. At times it may seem overwhelming. But remember you’ve earned this; you’ve paid into the system. AARP is here to act as a wise friend. We’re here to give you the information you need to make a good decision.

AARP Resources

AARP Medicare Resource Center. This is your go-to website for help navigating the system. Our online portal provide comprehensive resources and information to help you get the most out of your Medicare https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/

You have questions. We have answers. Look to the AARP Medicare Q&A Tool. We put together easy-to-understand answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare eligibility and enrollment www.aarp.org/medicareqa

Looking for a deeper dive on Medicare? Check out our Medicare Made Easy 10-part guide to choosing health coverage. www.aarp.org/MedicareMadeEasy

First timer? Need help to figuring it out?  We have you covered with AARP Medicare Enrollment Guide. It’s a self-paced online tool designed to help you get personalized answers to your most pressing questions about enrolling in Medicare. Here you’ll fine step-by-step directions on what to do when you’re ready to sign up for  www.aarp.org/medicareenrollment

One organization that offers is personalized help is SHINE- Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone SHINE provides FREE unbiased health insurance counseling information and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare, their caregivers and those approaching Medicare eligibility.  ​Statewide, there are more than 600 certified volunteer counselors trained to assist residents with Medicare. SHINE is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elders Affairs under a grant from the Administration for Community Living. The SHINE Program partners with Council on Aging, Elder and Disability Service providers and other public and private community-based organization www.shinema.org