About Medicare
We know that Medicare can be confusing, we are here to help!
Click on the buttons below for more information about the components of Medicare.
Click here to watch a recording of one of our Medicare Basics webinars.
(Video is from 2020. Medicare policies and programs may change from year to year.
Contact us or join us for an upcoming session for the most current and accurate information.)
Open Enrollment Period
Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the time when you review and can change Part C or D coverage; it runs from October 15 – December 7 each year and coverage begins on the first day of the following year.
We always say “it pays to compare” your drug plans every year. During OEP 2025, we met with 1,421 individuals and helped them navigate the multitude of medical and prescription plan options to best meet their needs. Of those, 242 of those were new to us - they had never received Medicare counseling from us! 606 of the 1,421 people (43%) were in stand-alone drug plans. Of those, 37% switched drug plans with an average annual projected savings in 2026 of $2,266 ($879 median). For the 106 individuals who were NEW to us comparing stand-alone drug plans, 67% needed to switch plans for $1,640 average projected savings in 2026 ($1,116 median).
If you qualify for “extra help” through a federal program that lowers your drug costs, you can change your Medicare drug coverage at any time. There are other special circumstances when you can change your drug plan outside of the Annual Election Period, click here for information about the Special Enrollment Period.
Drug Plan Finder
Medicare’s Web site (www.medicare.gov) has a drug plan finder tool that helps beneficiaries sort all the drug plans to select the best option available and also helps individuals enroll. You can obtain this same information by calling Medicare (1-800-633-4227), contacting NC SHIIP (1-855-408-1212), or in Durham, by setting up an appointment with Senior PharmAssist (919-688-4772).
The best plan for you depends on the medications that you take. When comparing plans, note that the pharmacy you choose also affects cost. Make sure your pharmacy is preferred by the plan. If it isn’t preferred, but you would rather stay with your pharmacy than switch, compare the plans that your pharmacy does accept.