Free Counseling and Financial Assistance May Help Eligible Residents Lower Health Care Costs in 2027
Montgomery County officials encourage residents enrolled in Medicare to review their health and prescription drug coverage during open enrollment, which runs through Monday, Dec. 7. Changes made during this period take effect on Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.
Medicare plans can change their premiums, deductibles, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and other benefits from year to year. Reviewing coverage and comparing available plans can help beneficiaries choose options that meet their health care needs and budgets. Free, unbiased assistance is available through the County’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
“Health care costs can put a real strain on older residents and people living on fixed incomes,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We want people to know that they have options and that they don’t have to figure all of this out on their own. Free Medicare counseling can help residents understand their coverage, compare plans, and find out if they qualify for assistance with premiums and prescription drug costs. I encourage everyone on Medicare to take the time to review their coverage before the December 7 deadline and make sure they are getting the benefits they are eligible for.”
Review Medicare Coverage for 2027
During open enrollment, beneficiaries can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare or vice versa, and enroll in, change, or drop a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, subject to Medicare enrollment rules.
Ahead of any selection, beneficiaries should:
- Compare monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Confirm that their prescription medications and preferred pharmacies are covered.
- Check whether their doctors and other health care providers are in the plan’s network.
- Review their plan’s Annual Notice of Change for updates to coverage and costs.
Residents considering a switch to Original Medicare also should review their prescription drug coverage needs and options for Medicare Supplement Insurance, known as Medigap.
“Medicare Open Enrollment is an important opportunity for older adults and people with disabilities to review their health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year,” said David Engel, chair of the Communications Committee for the County’s Commission on Aging. “We encourage every Medicare beneficiary to compare available options and seek free, unbiased guidance from Montgomery County’s SHIP counselors. Financial assistance may also be available to help pay Medicare premiums and prescription drug costs. No one should miss an opportunity to explore benefits for which they may qualify.”
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Financial Assistance May Be Available
Residents with limited incomes and resources may qualify for programs that help pay Medicare premiums, out-of-pocket health care expenses, and prescription drug costs. Eligibility requirements vary by program.
Available assistance includes:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Helps pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, if applicable, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Helps pay Medicare Part B premiums.
- Federal Extra Help: Helps eligible beneficiaries pay Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and other costs.
- Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program: May help eligible Maryland residents pay Medicare Part D premiums, subject to program requirements.
Residents are encouraged to ask about these programs even if they are unsure whether they qualify. Montgomery County SHIP counselors can help beneficiaries understand their options and identify potential sources of assistance.
Residents seeking information about Medicare Savings Programs also may contact the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Eligibility and Support Services at 240-777-1003. Learn more at Medicare Savings Programs.
Get Free Medicare Counseling
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Montgomery County residents can contact SHIP for individual Medicare counseling by telephone or in person. Residents may leave a message to request an appointment.
- Phone: 301-255-4250
- Email: SHIP@JSSA.org
- Website: medicareabcd.org
Residents also can compare Medicare health and prescription drug plans for 2027 at Medicare.gov. Residents seeking information about Medicare Savings Programs also may contact the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Eligibility and Support Services at 240-777-1003. For more information about Medicare savings programs, visit Medicare’s savings programs webpage.
Additional Resources
- Medicare & You Handbook 2027 (available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and alternative formats like large print, audiobook, ebook, and Braille).
- CMS, State-by-State Information, Important dates, and Enrollment Resources for Medicare Advantage and Part D in 2027. (Maryland is located on page 67.)
- Medicare and the Marketplace, Healthcare.gov
- Six Things to Know about Fall Open Enrollment, Medicare Rights Center
- Medicare Open Enrollment FAQs in English and Spanish, KFF
- Marketplace Enrollment FAQs in English and Spanish, KFF
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Read the original article at mcdhhs
