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. I take Medicare appointments all year long, 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 highly suggest reviewing it during Open Enrollment. There is no penalty to review it annually, and it is a free service provided by Midway Extension District.

The changes made during open enrollment will be effective Jan. 1, 2022. During Medicare Open Enrollment you can:

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

• 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

• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. • Switch from one Medicare

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

• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

I will begin scheduling Medicare Open Enrollment appointments Oct. 1. Please call one of our offices to get on my calendar. If you are uncomfortable with coming into the office for your appointment, a Zoom or phone appointment can be scheduled. All clients must bring their Medicare card and a list of prescription drugs to their appointment.

Don’t hesitate to call with questions and to set up an appointment to visit about general Medicare topics and/or Medicare Open Enrollment.

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.