Prepare for Medicare open enrollment with free guidance from Georgia SHIP

From October 15 to December 7, anyone eligible for Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare health plan or prescription drug coverage to better meet their needs in 2024. This period is called open enrollment, and Georgia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services – can help eligible Georgians choose a Medicare plan that meets their budget and health needs.

Georgia SHIP offers free, unbiased counseling via a toll-free help line, 1-866-552-4464 (option 4). This help line is available any time Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Certified Medicare counselors are standing by to help Georgians with Medicare understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their health care options.

“During this time of year, our team at SHIP is working hard to help Medicare recipients find health plans and make changes to better suit their needs,” said DHS Commissioner Candice Broce. “We are grateful to all the dedicated people on our staff and in the Area Agencies on Aging for their help serving Georgians across the state and spreading the word about open enrollment.”

During Medicare open enrollment, Medicare recipients can:

• Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (or add or drop drug coverage).
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Join a Medicare drug plan if they receive Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another if they receive Original Medicare.

Medicare coverage choices made during open enrollment will take effect January 1, 2024. Learn more at aging.georgia.gov/georgia-ship.