Blog Post
Benefits Counselors Assisting During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • Jan 03, 2024
Enrollment Period is January 1 - March 31, 2024
Did you know that if you're unsatisfied with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options to change? Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is an opportunity to make changes to your health plan from January 1 - March 31. You can do one of the following:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage
- Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Whether you switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to the Original Medicare with or without a drug plan, your new plan will become effective the first of the following month.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is not for people who already have original Medicare.
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas can help you find, compare, and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Drug Plan in your area. Give us a call at 1-800-442-8845 or 903-218-6500.
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the TASCA Activity Center, located at 10495 County Road 2167 in Whitehouse, from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.
As Spring approaches, we are thrilled to announce the 2024 Older Americans Month (OAM) theme – "Powered by Connection." Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this annual observance aims to recognize and honor the valuable contributions of older Americans. The chosen theme emphasizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of our elderly population. This year, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is proud to join the nationwide celebration by hosting a series of events throughout May in our 14-county region. In the spirit of collaboration, we invite local organizations to partner with us in hosting events that foster connections, share experiences, and promote the well-being of older Americans. The AAA is at the forefront of this effort, seeking host organizations to make a meaningful impact. If you or your organization is interested in being part of this initiative, we encourage you to reach out to Nellie Henry at nellie.henry@etcog.org . By coming together and creating a network of support, we can ensure that the celebration of Older Americans Month goes beyond the confines of May. These events are not just about a month-long celebration; they are about building lasting connections, understanding the needs of our older community members, and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Join us in making May a month of joy, shared experiences, and strengthened connections. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being of older Americans in our community.
About Us
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas
is designated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to coordinate services for persons in East Texas who are 60 or older, with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited-English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.
1501 Pentecost Road
Kilgore, Texas 75662
1-800-442-8845
Deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired customers may contact
Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TTY) and 711 (Voice).
Equal opportunity is the law.
Equal opportunity notice in English and Spanish
Administered by ETCOG