Help In Switching Medical Plans

  • Open Enrollment will run from October 15 through December 7

All counties in the Region VII Area Agency on Aging service area have trained counselors to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare

Call: 1-800-633-4227

Click Here

Social Security

Call: 1-800-772-1213

Click Here

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Click Here

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

Call: 1-800-803-7174

Click Here

For more help or if you’re looking to volunteer call us at:

Special Enrollment Periods are granted for a number of reasons:

Persons new to Medicare, either turning 65 or receiving disability. You may join a plan 3 months before you receive Medicare, the first month of coverage, and 3 months after. That is a 7 month window to enroll in a plan. The earliest prescription coverage can begin is the first day of the month your Medicare part A (Hospital) and/or B (Medical) begin.

Person whose Creditable Cover ends. A person who is losing their current coverage because they are retiring or because the employer is no longer offering prescription drug coverage will not have a penalty added to their monthly premium in this situation.

Other reasons for a Special Enrollment Period include: moving in/out of a nursing home or loss of Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help).

If you do not wish to enroll in a prescription plan:

  • Apply for a MiRx Card with a 5% to 25% discount on prescription drugs.  There is no monthly premium, no cost for the discount card, and no age limit. Each participant must be a resident of Michigan, have no other drug coverage, and have an income level at or below the state’s median income level. For one person, this amount is an annual income of $27,930 or less, for two people $37,470 or less and more for families. Call toll-free 1-866-755-6479 or download an application at miRX.org or call Region VII Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-858-1637.

  • Ask your physician for drug samples.

  • Apply to the manufacturer of the drug for a free supply. The address and/or phone number can be found online at needymeds.org, or from a pharmacist.

  • Increase your chances of maintaining good health by practicing proper nutrition, get a flu shot, exercise, and wash your hands regularly. Many colleges and fitness centers offer a senior membership discount or a class designed specifically for seniors.