News .................................................. 6, 22

Two Medicare Open Enrollment Periods

Submitted by M. René Tarquinio

The SHIIP Program saw an extremely active Medicare Open Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2021. Data is still being entered, but at this time we have calculated over 500 Medicare appointments, over 200 phone calls, and an estimated cost savings of $306,000! The Medicare beneficiaries of Brunswick County could not have received the assistance that they did without the support and dedication provided by our SHIIP volunteers and by case management and center staff. Many thanks to everyone who assisted during this busy time of year.

Medicare Advantage? Open Enrollment for You

Although the annual Open Enrollment Period has ended, if you are already in a Medicare Advantage Plan you have another Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time period you can: • Switch to another Medicare

Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage. • Drop your Medicare Advantage

Plan and go back to Original

Medicare. You can also join a

Medicare drug plan.

The SHIIP program is available to assist Medicare bene ciaries throughout the year. If you need assistance, please call (910) 754-2300 to schedule an appointment with a SHIIP counselor.

STATE POINT MEDIA PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzles on page 30