October 2024

Statewide Program Provides Free, Unbiased Insurance Counseling for Medicare Beneficiaries

Older Floridians are encouraged to review plan options during Open Enrollment

Advantage Aging Solutions is reminding residents that their Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) Program has specifically-trained counselors to help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to understand their health care options so they can make the best decisions for their individual needs during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During OEP, beneficiaries can change their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage plan to affect things like cost, coverage, drug formularies, in-network providers, and pharmacies.

“Medicare can be a daunting subject for most people and the Open Enrollment Period only runs from Oct. 15, 2024, through Dec. 7, 2024, but you don’t have to go it alone! During this time, lean on our experts for advice and utilize a local, valuable resource by connecting with the SHINE program,” said Lisa Bretz, Executive Director.

SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is operated locally through Advantage Aging Solutions. The SHINE mission is to provide free and unbiased information about Medicare and Medicaid for beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. SHINE also educates beneficiaries to protect, detect, and report potential errors, fraud, and abuse with their Medicare coverage. SHINE strongly encourages beneficiaries to be on the lookout for their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which they should receive from their plan no later than Sept. 30, 2024. Reviewing their benefits and evaluating their health care options each year is vitally important for beneficiaries. Acting quickly can assure a smooth transition into the 2025 benefit year.

To receive help from SHINE, individuals may call to schedule appointments at designated SHINE counseling sites, attend enrollment events in their local communities. Arrange to speak with a trained SHINE counselor at 1-866-467-4624. For a listing of SHINE counseling sites and enrollment events, please visit www.floridashine.org. 

October 10^th is World Mental Health Day

Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

World Mental Health Day was established on October 10, 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). It has been observed every year to raise awareness about mental health in the community and thankfully, this movement is gaining traction! The WFMH has partnered with different organizations, local to global, to help develop initiatives that focus on the various aspects of mental health care and what more can be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

The Global Campaign 2024 and its initiatives are based on this year’s official theme for World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to harmful aspects (like harassment and other poor working conditions), can pose significant risks to a person’s mental health, and overall quality of life which can have negative impacts on participation or productivity at work. With 60% of the global population working, action is needed to ensure that the workplace protects and supports mental health and prevents or limits risks to mental health.

“It is essential for governments, employers, the organizations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for employees’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health in the workplace. By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can ensure that everyone can have the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.”

Resources: https://wmhdofficial.com/about-2024/

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024

Medicare Moments

Medicare Open Enrollment Part II: Choosing A New Plan

Did you know that Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is the one time of year that most beneficiaries make changes to their coverage? If you have reviewed your present plan, are aware of coming changes that will affect you, foresee increased out of pocket expenses, and have decided to look at other plans, you’ll want to know where to obtain the best healthcare coverage and at the lowest cost. 

Changes You Can Make during Open Enrollment:

• From Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa
• From one Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) to another
• From one Medicare prescription plan (Part D) to another
• Join a Part D plan (late enrollment penalty might apply)
• Drop your existing Part D coverage altogether

How to Find a Plan that is Best for You:

Go to Medicare.gov to learn about Original Medicare (Parts A & B) benefits and use the Medicare plan finder and compare similar plans side by side such as Medicare Advantage plans, Prescription drug plans, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)policies, Part D & Medigap

Seek the help of a trained SHINE Medicare Counselor, who will:

• Research Medicare and find answers for you,
• Assist you with plan comparisons so you can choose the best plan that fits your needs,
• Explain programs that could save you money on premiums and prescriptions, and
• Guide you through enrolling in a new plan.

To talk to a SHINE Medicare Counselor, call the Elder Helpline 866-467-4624



SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is offered locally by Advantage Aging Solutions.

SHINE provides free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a network of volunteers; empowering Florida seniors to make informed health choices.