Dec 1, 2025
Medicare Open Enrollment Resources
What is open enrollment?
Medicare is a federal government health insurance program for people age 65 or older or for persons under 65 who have been disabled for 24 months. Medicare open enrollment is the annual period from October 15 to December 7 when people with Medicare can review their health and drug plans and make changes for the following year. During this time, individuals can switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan, change their Medicare Advantage plan, or join, switch, and drop Part D prescription drug plans. Changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the new year.
Learn more about your options during open enrollment
Explore your Medicare coverage options
How to Navigate Medicare options?
You can use the Medicare finder tool to look up plans and compare choices.
The 2025 Medicare and You handbook is here! The handbook is the official, annual guide from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that explains Medicare benefits, rights, costs, and plan options for the upcoming year. It can help beneficiaries understand Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans, offers guidance on choosing a plan, and includes important information on preventive services and fraud protection.
Erie County residents can also call the Department of Aging at 716-858-7883 for help with health insurance. Their website is loaded with links and resources to further explore Medicare options.
Schedule an appointment with Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance program:
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance program) provides information and assistance regarding Medicare, Medicare Supplemental (Medigap), Long-Term Care, Managed Care (HMOs), EPIC, Medicaid, and other insurance options. One-on-one counseling is available by appointment, along with confidential assistance with claims filing and referrals to appropriate agencies, including those offering legal assistance.
To schedule an appointment, call the Erie County Department for the Aging (HIICAP) at (716) 858-7883.
Medicare Savings Program:
You may be eligible for the Medicare Saving Program (MSP) that will pay the Medicare Part B premium. This program also automatically makes you eligible for theLow-Income Subsidy (LIS)that will help withPart D premiums, lower co-pays and elimination of the gap in coverage. Erie County residents can call 716-858-8526 for help.
Use this Medicare Savings Program worksheet to determine your eligibility.
Get help from a Licensed Benefit Coordinator:
After exploring a variety of resources, you may still have questions about Medicare plans and options. Connecting with a Licensed Insurance Benefit Coordinator can help you better understand your current plan and your options during open enrollment. Tamme' Nash is a Licensed Insurance Benefit Coordinator who may be able to help you better understand and select a Medicare plan that is right for you. She has collaborated with Inspired Health Group, offering educational seminars on Medicare.
You can reach Tamme’ at:
- Cell: 716-912-1727
- Email: tnash@sableins.com