Medicare counseling sessions available in Ulster County

KINGSTON, N.Y. >> The Ullster County Office for the Aging is offering free appointments with the Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program for people looking to change their Medicare health or prescription drug coverage.

The annual open enrollment period to change Medicare health or prescription drug coverage runs through Friday, Dec. 7. During the annual enrollment period, Medicare recipients can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan, or join, switch or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

People who are happy with how they currently receive their Medicare coverage do not need to do anything.

The Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program is a federally-funded program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging. The program provides Medicare beneficiaries with information, education and counseling about Medicare and other health insurance. The counseling process includes a complete review of an individual’s current and anticipated medical and prescription drug coverage needs.

Call the Ulster County Office for the Aging for an appointment if you would like to make a change in your Medicare coverage at (845) 340-3456 or toll-free at (877) 914-3456.