Did you know that I am a SHICK counselor? That means I offer free, confidential counseling regarding employment and Medicare information, supplemental information, and Part D–prescription drug plan comparisons and enrollment. Medicare appointments are available all year, but Open Enrollment is only Oct. 15–Dec. 7.

It seems there are changes every year to Medicare and Part D plans. Even if you are quite satisfied with your drug plan, I would suggest reviewing it during Open Enrollment. There is no penalty to review it annually.

The changes made during the Open Enrollment period of Oct. 15-Dec. 7 will be effective Jan. 1, 2020. During Medicare Open Enrollment you can:

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not offer drug coverage.

• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

• Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

I am currently scheduling Open Enrollment appointments, and have several days blocked out to be in other locations throughout the Midway District. All clients will need to set up a MyMedicare.gov account. I can assist you with this but plan for an extra 15 minutes. Additionally, bring your Medicare card and a list of prescriptions with you to your appointment. New Medicare cards were mailed out in 2018 and reflect a new Medicare number. Don’t hesitate to call with questions and to set up an appointment.

Information obtained from www.cms.gov.

Jessica Kootz is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information on this article or other Family and Consumer Sciences related questions, email Jessica at jessicak@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 483-3157.