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Free help navigating Medicare health and drug plan options for 2022
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (ServingHealth Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is available to provide free, unbiased help for Florida Medicare beneficiaries as they carefully evaluate their health care options during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Volunteers with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE program wants Medicare beneficiaries to know that they are available to help with Medicare and health plan questions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite complications caused by the Coronavirus Health Emergency, SHINE continues to find creative, socially distant solutions to provide local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers.
During OEP, which runs October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage plans. SHINE encourages beneficiaries to review their benefits each year for a variety of reasons. Individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, and these changes may alter the kind of care they need. This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies.
Health changes can also increase costs, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes. SHINE volunteer counselors through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc, provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and information on Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their families, and caregivers.
SHINE also educates beneficiaries to protect, detect, and report potential errors, fraud, and abuse with their Medicare coverage. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly to assur a smooth transition into the 2022 benefit year. To receive help from SHINE to review and enroll in a plan, individuals may visit designated SHINE counseling sites, attend enrollment events in their local communities, or contact trained SHINE volunteer counselors at 727-217-8111 or 1-800-963-5337. For a listing of SHINE counseling sites and enrollment events, visit www.agingcarefl.org or www.floridashine.org.
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