September Aging Insights: “Expert Guidance for Medicare Open Enrollment in 2020”

TRENTON, NJ – Did you know that you are able to change your Medicare plan for the following year, during open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7? Plans can change and it’s a good idea to review your coverage.

NJ’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Director Mary McGeary (pictured, right) and Senior Medicare Patrol NJ Project Director Charles Clarkson (left) team up for “Expert Guidance for Medicare Open Enrollment in 2020,” September’s episode of Aging Insights, hosted by Melissa Chalker (center).

Launched in 2011, Aging Insights is an award-winning, half-hour monthly TV show, produced by NJ Foundation for Aging, which promotes dialogue and provides resources on critical issues for older adults and caregivers. Episode 108, “Expert Guidance for Medicare Open Enrollment in 2020,” can be viewed on NJFA’s website here and more than 70 public-access stations across NJ (check local listings for channels and times).

Noting that Medicare is “complex,” McGeary and Clarkson stressed the importance of reviewing your current Medicare health and drug coverage, adding that not every plan offers every benefit. They also noted that the public will be seeing lots of ads during this period but warned that plans are not supposed to call you. “Take the mail and throw it away,” said Clarkson. “Call SHIP or go to medicare.gov to find a plan.”

SHIP provides free help to NJ Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their health insurance. A statewide program with offices in every county, SHIP is administered by the NJ Department of Human Services with financial assistance through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living. SHIP counselors can be reached at 1-800-792-8820. Visit state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/services/ship/.

Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education. SMP of NJ at JFS is part of the national SMP network, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. SMP of NJ can be reached at 1-877-SMP(767)-4359. Visit http://seniormedicarepatrolnj.org/.

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New Jersey Foundation for Aging (www.njfoundationforaging.org) is the only statewide nonprofit organization focused solely on providing leadership in public policy and education to enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in their communities. In addition to its policy leadership role, NJFA produces the award-winning Aging Insights, a monthly half-hour TV program promoting dialogue on critical issues for older adults and caregivers. The show can be seen on more than 70 public-access stations and www.njfoundationforaging.org/aging-insights. NJFA also presents an annual conference offering development opportunities and best practices for professionals entrusted with caring for seniors.