The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will start on October 15 and last through December 7, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) counselors are adapting to serve Santa Clara County resident’s needs during COVID-19.

During AEP, existing Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Part C HMO plan. HICAP counselors can help you review Medicare Prescription D prescription drug plan costs and formulary changes, identify options available for Part C Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs), and identify other ways to supplement Medicare for the upcoming 2021 year.

To keep clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, HICAP will provide AEP Medicare counseling services remotely either by phone or video conference, when possible. Before speaking with a HICAP counselor about your options, be prepared, and sign up for a MyMedicare.gov account. You will gain access to a personalized Medicare Plan Finder Tool that shows your unique list of medications. HICAP counselors can help you sort through the different options to find what options may be best for you or your loved one. HICAP will host AEP presentations called Medicare & You via Zoom to keep you informed of the latest plan options and changes for 2021.

Sourcewise HICAP provides financial application assistance for Medicare beneficiaries who want to sign up for the Low-Income Subsidy (also called “Extra Help”). It is available for Medicare beneficiaries who have incomes less than $2,155 each month for couples and $1,595 each month for singles; whose savings or assets are less than $29,160 and $14,610 respectively. If you are still working, the income limits can be higher since roughly half a person’s earned income is not counted.

HICAP counseling is free, unbiased, and available to Medicare-eligible Santa Clara County residents. To attend a Medicare & You presentation or to schedule a one-on-one counseling session with a HICAP counselor, call (408) 350-3200, option 2, or visit the Sourcewise website at mysourcewise.com/calendar.