R.I. Division of Elderly Affairs offers free Medicare advice as enrollment opens

PROVIDENCE — If you’re not sure what to do now that Medicare Open Enrollment is under way, the R.I. Division of Elderly Affairs has free, personalized health insurance counseling through the Senior Health Insurance Program that you can take advantage of.

Open Enrollment for Rhode Island’s 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries began Sunday and ends on Dec. 7.

SHIP provides one-to-one, unbiased counseling to seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers.  The SHIP counselors advise so that Medicare beneficiaries can make the most appropriate choice for their healthcare needs.  Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their current coverage and make any necessary changes to their plan.

“This year there are many plan options to consider, and coverage for the same plan may be different than in the past,” said Director of Elderly Affairs Charles Fogarty. “Open enrollment is the time to shop for the best plan that meets your needs.  Our highly trained SHIP staff and volunteers can help you understand your choices and your rights. Open Enrollment should be looked at as an opportunity to explore Medicare health plans and Part D plans to ensure you are receiving the best coverage and value for your premium dollar.”

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The R.I. Division of Elderly Affairs is joining with agency partners to sponsor more than 160 events in communities across the state during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period.  SHIP counselors, by appointment, will be available at all Open Enrollment events to provide free, confidential, individual counseling to help beneficiaries find the most comprehensive and cost-effective Medicare health plan and Part D coverage.

The enrollment event schedules for October, November and December are embedded below:

The full Open Enrollment event schedule is also available by calling SHIP, toll-free at 1-888-884-8721.  TTY users can call 401-462-0740.  The schedule is also available by calling The Point, Rhode Island’s Aging and Disability Resource Center Network, at 401-462-4444.  TTY users can call 401-462-4445.

Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com