Medicare is complicated and can be overwhelming for people to navigate on their own. Benefits in Action, a nonprofit organization, is here to help. Their services come at no cost to the individual and are available both in-person and over the phone. During the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period – October 15 - December 7— Benefits in Action will be assisting beneficiaries with plan comparisons, enrollment, disenrollment, and applications for prescription drug assistance.  During the Open Enrollment Period each year, it is important for folks to check in to be sure that their plan continues to best meet their needs.  Changes in prescription drugs, health status, or primary care provider are all factors that all may affect Medicare coverage.

The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides unbiased information, counseling and enrollment services to Medicare beneficiaries. All of the Benefits in Action SHIP counselors are certified at the state and national level to assist beneficiaries with their Medicare Counselors assist beneficiaries compare Medicare Supplement Plans, Part D Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. 

Benefits in Action is the certified SHIP site for Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers County. They will have counselors in these counties on November 19, 20, and 21 who will be giving Medicare presentations and will be available to meet with individuals to assist in reviewing their coverage.

Benefits in Action Presentations

• Monday November 19, 9 AM – 12 PM at the Dining Hall next to the Baca County Library (Springfield)
• Monday November 19, 2 PM – 4 PM at the Otero County Senior Center (La Junta)
• Tuesday November 20, 9 AM – 12 PM at the Bent County Senior Center (Las Animas)
• Tuesday November 20, 1 PM – 3:30 PM at the Otero County Woodruff Library (La Junta)

• Wednesday November 21, 11 AM – 1 PM at the Prowers County Senior Center (Lamar)

“Our experts will be available to meet with individuals who want help picking the plan which best meets their needs. We will also have a Spanish speaking counselor available” said Jane Barnes, Benefits in Action Executive Director.

 “We strongly recommend people call us at 720-221-8354 to make an appointment but our counselors will be available for walk-ins as well” said Jane Barnes. 

It’s important that you take this opportunity to think about your current health status and make sure that the benefit plan you have chosen meets your needs. People shopping for Medicare Plans find it helpful to have a counselor who can answer their questions and help them find the coverage that works for them.