Medicare open enrollment kicks off this week

The state Aging and Long-Term Services Department is reminding New Mexicans that Medicare open enrollment began this week and runs through Dec. 7.

Changes made during this period will take effect Jan. 1.

Medicare is federal health care coverage for people 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease. During open enrollment, participants can:

Adjust Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage;

Change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa); Switch between Medicare Advantage plans; Join a Medicare prescription drug plan; Switch existing drug plans or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage.

The Department’s Aging and Disability Resource Center is available to assist anyone who has questions during the enrollment period.

The state is hosting meetings throughout the enrollment period to answer questions and offer help to individuals who may want to switch their plan or enroll into a Medicare prescription drug plan or Medicare Health Plan.

To see the full list of meetings, visit nmaging.state. nm.us and click on the “Special Events” tab. Some meetings are by appointment only and others are walk-in. The resources are available at no cost.

Bring your prescriptions or a list of all medications you take, including the full name of the drug, the strength and the dosage. Additionally, help is available from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at 800-432-2080.