AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — The Aroostook Agency on Aging reminds Medicare beneficiaries that open enrollment, also known as the annual election period, began Oct. 15 and will run through Dec. 7.
The agency will provide clinics to assist those needing to make changes to existing coverage.
According to Joy Barresi Saucier, agency executive director, It is important for individuals to reconsider their plan options each year in order to reduce costs and consider plans better suited for their needs. Changes Medicare participants can make during the enrollment period include: switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan (also called Part C), switching from an Advantage Plan back to original Medicare; switching from one Advantage Plan to a new one; joining a Part D prescription drug plan; switching from one Part D plan to another; or even doing nothing and staying with current coverage.
The following are the dates and location of clinics available. Individuals should call the agency to set up a time.
Nov. 1, Madawaska.
Nov. 2, Presque Isle.
Nov. 5, St. Agatha.
Nov. 6, Houlton.
Nov. 7, Fort Kent.
Nov. 8, Mars Hill.
Nov. 9, Presque Isle.
Nov. 13, Madawaska.
Nov. 14, Van Buren.
Nov. 16, Presque Isle.
Nov. 19, Fort Kent.
Nov. 20, Houlton.
Nov. 27, St. Agatha.
Nov. 30, Presque Isle.
Participants must bring their new Medicare card and list of current medications.
Medicare.gov contains further information on things you need to know about your Medicare card and the set-up process.
For more information or to arrange a time at one of the clinics, call the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 764-3396 or 1 (800) 439-1789. For assistance or more information, participants can call 1 (800) MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.
