Medicare open enrollment begins Oct. 15

Staff
Posted 10/11/17

MENDOTA - The Medicare Open Enrollment period will be from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors will be available to provide free, unbiased counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

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Medicare open enrollment begins Oct. 15

Posted

MENDOTA - The Medicare Open Enrollment period will be from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During open enrollment, people can review their current Medicare Advantage plan or their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for 2018. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors will be available to provide free, unbiased counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WIAAA) and funded Community Focal Points will have SHIP counselors available for appointments during open enrollment in several counties including LaSalle and Bureau.

Take advantage of this annual opportunity to review your health and drug plan choices to select the plan that best fits your needs. To meet with a SHIP counselor during this time period, please contact the Community Focal Point in your county to schedule an appointment. Counselors are available by appointment only, no walk-ins will be accepted.

Items needed to complete a Medicare plan comparison include:

  • Photo ID
  • Medicare Insurance cards- Original Medicare, Medicare Part D, and/or Medicare Advantage
  • List of medications including name, dosage, as well as the quantity and frequency of the medication being taken

Appointments may be scheduled in LaSalle County at Mendota Area Senior Services in Mendota, phone (815) 539-7700 and at Bridges Community Center in Ottawa, phone (815) 431-8034.

In Bureau County, contact Bureau County Senior Citizens in Princeton at (815) 879-3981.

For more information about SHIP and Open Enrollment, please visit the WIAAA website at www.wiaaa.org.

About Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging 

Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging is an Aging and Disability Resource Center that serves a 10-county area that including Bureau, Henderson, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, McDonough, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island and Warren counties. They ensure coordinated, accessible services for older persons to live independent, meaningful and dignified lives. Community focal points in each county are senior centers that serve as congregate meal sites and places for seniors to go for activities and socialization. They advocate at local, state, and federal levels for seniors and adults with disabilities. WIAAA also funds Home Delivered Meal programs, transportation and respite for caregivers.