From the Johnston Senior Center

Posted

Medicare open enrollment to begin

Open enrollment for Medicare will begin on Oct. 15, 2021, and run through Dec. 7, 2021.

Each year at this time a Medicare member has the opportunity to make changes to their plan. As a person’s health needs change there may be a plan that is more suitable for them. It’s very important to know what is covered in your plan and what changes are being made to those plans for the upcoming year.

The company that you are with now has the obligation in September to send you the next years’ changes to you for the plan you are currently on, therefore, you can make a change or keep your plan based on that information. By Oct. 1 of each year Medicare releases the plans that are available in Rhode Island for the purpose of making an informed choice concerning plans that may fit your needs.

You may have different health care needs than someone else, It’s not a one size fits all. Keep in mind there is help for you if you need assistance. A SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) Counselor is a person who can relay the information to you. The Johnston Senior Center has a SHIP counselor on staff helping clients with understanding how Medicare works and presents Medicare plans and options in an unbiased way.

Turning the Heat On

As Rhode Islanders we know that as the weather changes and temperatures begin to decline, it’s time to turn the heat on. There is a program that is available for those who may need assistance in paying for those heating bills. LIHEAP (Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

Here are the annual household income limits (before taxes).

Household size/maximum income level (per year)

1: $32,265

2: $42,193

3: $52,121

4: $62,048

5: $71,976

6: $81,904

7: $83,765

8: $85,626

*For households with more than eight people, add $1,861 per additional person.

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