Understanding Your Medicare Options Before Open Enrollment
Whether you're considering Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, understanding your options before enrollment opens can help you make a more informed decision.
CHOICES Corner
Medicaid & Medicare
If you are a Medicare recipient, you are probably aware that Medicare isn’t free. Medicare B has a monthly premium and Medicare D, drug coverage, may have a monthly premium as well. Additionally, Medicare has deductibles and may have co-pays.
Consumer Debt in Older Adults
Why are so any members of this generation of older adults in such poor financial condition?
Switching Medicare Advantage Plans
For many people the Medicare Advantage Plan is a good option that provides for the care needs of the Medicare recipient and may also offer additional benefits not generally covered by Original Medicare such as dental, vision and/or footcare.
Medication Coverage Changes
If you are a Medicare recipient you should be aware that there are changes to prescription drug coverage that became effective in 2026.
Help With Winter Heating Costs: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
January is around the corner, so we know cold weather days are here. Paying energy costs is a challenge and we know it is especially difficult for people living on low, fixed incomes.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and continues through to December 7. This is your opportunity to make changes to your Medicare D insurance.
Medigap Policies
One question that is often asked of CHOICES counselors is: “What is a medigap policy?”
Depression in Older Adults
Depression in older adults is a significant public health concern. Approximately 14% of older adults cope with depression.
What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?
People frequently confuse the two programs and consequently are unaware of potential benefits or are unpleasantly surprised that they do not have coverage for other health-related costs.
Making the Decision to Enroll in Medicare
There are decisions to be made, and you need accurate information to make the best decisions.
Flip the Script on Aging
May is Older Americans Month and the theme this year is Flip the Script on Aging.
Do Veterans Have to Sign Up for Medicare?
The short answer is that no one must sign up for Medicare, but it is highly advised.
Medicare - Right to Appeal
Medicare Summary Notices now contain information about a new “right to appeal” related to “observation status” determinations when they are in the hospital.
Spousal Impoverishment
The “spousal impoverishment act” attempts to ensure that the community dwelling spouse will be able to live with dignity in the community without being pushed into poverty to obtain nursing home care for a spouse.
Medicare & You
Every year The Medicare & You handbook for the upcoming year is sent out to Medicare recipients before the period of Open Enrollment (beginning October 15).
Understanding What Medicare Does Not Cover
Medicare has vast coverage and has improved healthcare access for millions of people over multiple decades, but it does not cover everything.
Connecticut's CHOICES Program Can Help Guide You
The CHOICES program in CT is the official, certified source of impartial, accurate information about Medicare.
Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care
The CT Partnership for Long-Term Care was developed to assist individuals develop a strategy to meet their long-term care needs in a cost-effective way.
Are You Eligible For Extra Help?
If you have Medicare and are finding it difficult to pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments, you may be eligible for “Extra Help” to cover these costs.
