• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

  • Featured
  • Leaders
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Opinion
You are here: Home / Government / Seniors Can Get Quality Help for Medicare Open Enrollment

Seniors Can Get Quality Help for Medicare Open Enrollment

Posted on September 18, 2023

Hundreds of counselors with Florida’s SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program stand ready to provide free assistance for Florida elders navigating the intricacies of Medicare’s important Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During OEP, which begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, seniors may sign up for or change their Medicare coverage, including regular Medicare coverage and Part D prescription drug plans.

SHINE, a program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, provides free one-on-one insurance counseling and community education regarding Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their families, and caregivers.

“Open Enrollment during the fall provides our seniors with the most flexibility to update their Medicare plans, so that their healthcare needs are met for the following year,” said Secretary Michelle Branham. “Our SHINE counselors are committed to ensuring that our seniors, their families, and caregivers are knowledgeable about the different plans to make the best decision for their health.”

Every year, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage Plans during the enrollment period. Even if Medicare beneficiaries are generally happy with their current benefits, SHINE encourages them to review their benefits each year. Seniors can compare all options and search for plans in their area by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Those who need assistance are encouraged to contact the SHINE program by calling Florida’s Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and asking for a SHINE volunteer counselor. You can also request SHINE assistance by visiting www.floridashine.org.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they will have a smooth transition into the 2024 benefit year. People with Medicare can receive help reviewing and enrolling in a plan by attending a Medicare Open Enrollment event or in-person at one of our many SHINE counseling sites. SHINE also provides enrollment assistance via one-on-one counseling over the phone or in person at designated counseling sites and at enrollment events in local communities. A current list of events in your area can be found by visiting the SHINE website under Community Events and Counseling Sites.

About the Florida Department of Elder Affairs
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the State Unit on Aging, helps Florida’s elders to remain healthy, safe, and independent. The Department provides most direct services through the state’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to deliver essential services to a vital segment of the population. For more information, please visit www.elderaffairs.org.

Share this article! Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: florida department of elder affairs

Primary Sidebar

    Submit News    

Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Invest $141 Million to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources

Investments include more than 17,000 acres within the Devil’s Garden Florida Forever Project in Hendry County … [Read More...] about Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Invest $141 Million to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Implementation of Florida’s Prescription Drug Reform Act

Governor Ron DeSantis and members of the Florida Cabinet today approved rules … [Read More...] about Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Implementation of Florida’s Prescription Drug Reform Act

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards More Than $3.5 Million for Infrastructure Improvements in Clay County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund

Governor Ron DeSantis today awarded more than $3.5 million … [Read More...] about Governor Ron DeSantis Awards More Than $3.5 Million for Infrastructure Improvements in Clay County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Newsletter signup

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a brief recap of the week's most popular stories.

Footer

News

  • Featured
  • Leaders
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Opinion

About Us 

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021
Terms & Conditions

© Copyright 2023 Capital Soup · All Rights Reserved ·