Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, October 15th through December 7th. That’s the time when Medicare beneficiaries can compare health insurance options and plans to see if changes are needed for the next calendar year — then sign up for coverage if necessary. (The Open Enrollment period is only time you can do that.) Depending on your particular needs, choosing or switching to a different plan could potentially save you thousands of dollars.
But Medicare is complicated. And navigating the various parts, plans, options and prices can be overwhelming. Plans also change from year to year, so that makes it even harder to keep up. That’s why United Way of Central Alabama’s Area Agency on Aging administers the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for residents of Jefferson County. SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling and education to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed choices regarding their insurance benefits.
Why Beneficiaries May Consider a Different Insurance Plan
As insurance providers modify their plans from year to year, the changes can prove costly if they no longer meet your specific needs. Premiums, co-payments, deductibles and even the coverage itself can change from year to year. SHIP Coordinator Susan Hackney said that some beneficiaries were able to save thousands of dollars in 2026 just by switching to a different drug plan.
Helpful Tips for the Open Enrollment Period
As a reference tool, Hackney recommends obtaining a 2027 copy of Medicare and You and keeping it handy. She also recommends that beneficiaries keep an eye out for Annual Notices of Change from their insurance companies, which list changes to costs, coverage and service networks for the upcoming year.
Hackney advises beneficiaries to keep their personal health information readily available. Helpful information includes a list of doctors and specialists, prescription medications and insurance cards for current coverage. Beneficiaries can also set up an online account at Medicare.gov.
Beginning in September, you can complete an online plan comparison form and call 1-800-AGE-LINE to schedule an appointment for in-person or phone counseling with a SHIP Medicare specialist.
In-person appointments and events will be held at the following locations:
Warrior Senior Center
101 River Rd, Warrior, AL 35180
Wednesday, October 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Irondale Senior Center
5313 Beacon Dr, Birmingham, AL 35210
Tuesday, October 27th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Bessemer Public Library
400 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35022
Wednesday, November 18th at 10:30 a.m.
United Way of Central Alabama
3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222
Alice Williams Building, Room 102
Wednesday, November 11th from 9 a.m. to noon
FREE Medicare Part D Workshop
During this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
- Use Medicare.gov and the Plan Finder tool to compare prescription drug plans
- Compare plan options and costs
- Explore Medicare Savings Programs and other ways to lower your costs
- Get step-by-step guidance throughout the process
Please bring:
- Your own device (laptop, tablet, etc.)
- Medicare and insurance cards
- A list of all your medications