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Medicare Open Enrollment kicks off October 15<\/a>, and older adults in New York are being urged to take advantage of free, unbiased help when choosing their health and prescription drug plans.<\/p>\n The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the Medicare Rights Center<\/a> are reminding beneficiaries that trained counselors are available statewide to guide them through the decision-making process\u2014at no cost.<\/p>\n What is Medicare Open Enrollment?<\/p>\n Medicare\u2019s open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. It\u2019s the one time each year when beneficiaries can:<\/p>\n Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)Switch Medicare Advantage plansEnroll in or switch Part D prescription drug plansMake other coverage updates<\/p>\n Any changes made during this window go into effect January 1, 2026.<\/p>\n Free counseling through HIICAP<\/p>\n New Yorkers can call 1-800-701-0501 to get personalized Medicare guidance through the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP). The program helps more than 220,000 residents annually and is staffed by trained, local counselors who offer:<\/p>\n Help comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D plansAssistance with low-income programs like Extra Help and MSPSupport with understanding medical bills and appealsTips on avoiding scams and protecting personal info<\/p>\n More details are available on NYSOFA\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Medicare Savings Program: Save up to $8,400 a year<\/p>\n Eligible low-income Medicare recipients are also encouraged to enroll in the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can:<\/p>\n Cover Medicare Part B premiums (which are expected to rise again in 2026)Automatically enroll beneficiaries in Extra Help for lower prescription costsSave enrollees up to $8,400 annually on out-of-pocket expenses<\/p>\n To qualify and apply, visit the Medicare Savings Program info page<\/a> where a video tutorial explains the process.<\/p>\n Fraud risks rise during open enrollment<\/p>\n Officials are warning that open enrollment season is a peak time for fraud and misleading marketing tactics. Key reminders include:<\/p>\n Medicare plans cannot call, email, or visit unless you\u2019ve given permissionScammers may pose as Medicare reps or use fear tactics\u2014don\u2019t fall for itNever share your Medicare number or personal details with strangers<\/p>\n If something feels suspicious, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).<\/p>\n Why reviewing coverage yearly matters<\/p>\n \u201cEvery year, plans change\u2014and your health needs may too,\u201d said Fred Riccardi, President of the Medicare Rights Center. \u201cUse open enrollment as your annual insurance check-up.\u201d<\/p>\n NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen added, \u201cOur HIICAP counselors are here to cut through the noise. This free help gives you the tools to make informed, cost-saving choices.\u201d<\/p>\n Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.\u00a0Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day<\/a>. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad)<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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