BPL Will Host Medicare Open Enrollment Counseling Sessions On October 20, November 17, And December 1

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) will be hosting three Medicare Open Enrollment counseling sessions in October, November, and December. Two of these sessions will be held at the Central Library on Friday, October 20, and Friday, November 17. The Five Points West Regional Branch Library will host a third session on Friday, December 1.

Certified Medicare Specialists will be on hand at each of these sessions to help those currently enrolled in Medicare make more informed decisions about changing their coverage plans. During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which is held annually from Sunday, October 15, to Thursday, December 7, all people with Medicare may choose to do the following:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another 
• Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another 
• Cancel their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan 
• Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you did not enroll when you were first eligible for Medicare

Free, reliable, and unbiased Medicare counseling is made available to the public by the Alabama State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which is administered locally by the United Way Area Agency on Aging Jefferson County. Walk-ins are welcome at all three BPL sessions, but those wanting to register for an appointment at a specific time can call the United Way at 1-800-AGE-LINE. Prior to attending a session, current Medicare recipients may also want to complete the United Way's Medicare Plan Comparison Form.

• What: Medicare Open Enrollment Counseling Sessions with Certified Medicare Specialists from Alabama's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
• Dates: Friday, October 20, 2023; Friday, November 17, 2023; and Friday, December 1, 2023
• Time: 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Location: Central Library, 1st floor (October 20 and November 17); Five Points West Library (December 1)
• Details: Walk-ins are welcome, but you can call 1-800-AGE-LINE for more information and to schedule an appointment. You can also complete a Medicare coverage comparison form by going to this link. Please bring to your counseling session the following: your Medicare Card, your Health Insurance Card, and a list of your prescription medications with dosage and quantity.

By Jim Murray | Librarian Ⅱ, Central Library