September 12, 2023
Dear friend,
It is that time of year again – time to prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment season!
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and goes until December 7.
In order to help our community members prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment season, and to learn more about Medicare basics, CCHCC is teaming up with the Champaign Public Library to host a “Medicare Basics Workshop”, which is open to anyone who has Medicare or who will be new to Medicare.
Please see below for more information about TOMORROW’s workshop, and also about Medicare Open Enrollment.
Medicare Basics Workshop at the Champaign Public Library
WHAT: Medicare Basics Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Robeson Pavilion Room C
Description: At this workshop, CCHCC staff will provide participants with information about Medicare Open Enrollment, and what Medicare beneficiaries need to do to get ready for Open Enrollment. CCHCC will also provide information for those who are new to Medicare. The following topics will be addressed:
– The main parts of Medicare (Parts A-D);
– How to enroll in, or change plans with Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap/supplemental insurance;
– Medicaid coverage for those who have Medicare;
– And other programs for local Medicare beneficiaries.
Please wear a mask to this workshop! COVID is in full swing in our community, so please help protect yourself and others. Remember that if you have been exposed to COVID, you can be asymptomatic for the first 3-5 days, but you can be actively spreading the infection to others.
What if you like your Medicare Part D or Advantage Plan, and want to stick with it?
Even if you like your Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) or your Medicare Advantage Plan, we at CCHCC still encourage you to review your plan during Open Enrollment to make sure that the plan will continue to meet your needs in 2024.
Insurance companies are allowed to make changes to their plans from year to year, and sometimes these changes can result in changes to the network of covered providers and pharmacies, and changes to the medications that are covered or the tiers that the medications are in, which could have a big impact on your budget.
Therefore, we encourage everyone to review their plans during Open Enrollment, even if you like your plan. It is important to make sure that nothing important has changed before you renew your plan for the coming year.
And the best part is that CCHCC can help you check your plan and make sure that it will continue to work for you in the new 2024 coverage year!
Do you need help during Medicare Open Enrollment? If so, schedule an appointment with Nicole!
Nicole Mitchell is CCHCC’s new Seniors Specialist and she is trained in all aspects of Medicare, Medicare Open Enrollment, and other resources available to Medicare beneficiaries.
Nicole will be available for appointments and walk-ins at the Champaign Public Library on Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. Appointments are encouraged (but not required) and will be made on the hour (example, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.). She will also have other days and times available for appointments at the CCHCC office, or by phone, or zoom.
To reach Nicole to request an appointment, please email her at: nicole@cchcc-il.org
We hope to see you at the Champaign Public Library tomorrow at 10 a.m.!
Sincerely,
Champaign County Health Care Consumers