Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Tuesday, October 15 – Saturday, December 7. This is the one time of year when those already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their health and drug plans for the next year. Changes made during this period will be effective Sunday, January 1, 2025.

Solid Ground is here to make sure you have the Medicare Help & Information you need. To get started, check out these four ways you can prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment: 

• Review your Annual Notice of Change letter. By September 30, you’ll be mailed a notice from your current plan with any changes for 2025, including formulary and/or premium changes. Review the changes to see if the plan will continue to meet your needs.               

• Compare plans. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s important to check for any changes next year, and compare it with other available options. You may save money, find better coverage, or both! 

• Review your Medicare & You 2025 handbook. In late September, all Medicare households will receive the updated handbook in the mail. Look over this handbook to see new listings of plans in your area and answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare. You can also download a copy in a variety of languages at Medicare.gov | Medicare & You.                     

• Get trusted advice from a SHIBA volunteer. Starting October 15, Solid Ground’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) can help you compare plans for Open Enrollment. We offer free, unbiased education on your Medicare options. Call or email to get personalized health insurance counseling at 206.753.4806 or shiba@solid-ground.org.                                                                  

Medicare Open Enrollment Presentations: 

Join us for one of our free, unbiased presentations on Medicare Open Enrollment and learn about… 

• What you can do during Medicare Open Enrollment. 

• Choosing and changing plans. 

• What Medigap plans are available. 

• How to get help paying for Medicare. 

View our calendar of presentations! To see our upcoming events, go to Medicare Workshops & Webinars or email shiba@solid-ground.org for more information.

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Image at top: SHIBA Volunteer Larry Cole leads a workshop on Medicare options. Photo by Rachael Green.