Medicare Advantage Plan Help

Now is the time to review your current Medicare Advantage Health Plan. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas has volunteers who can help you choose the best plan for you. The program is called "Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders" or SHINE.  You can talk to the counselors by phone at 1-800-963-5337 or schedule an in-person meeting. The SHINE volunteers provide information to elders, their caregivers, and their families.  This counseling is free and unbiased.

The Area Agency on Aging suggests that you "bring a list of medications the individual takes, a list of providers he or she wants to use (e.g., doctor or pharmacy), and any notices from an existing plan (i.e., Annual Notice of Change), Social Security, or Medicare about changes to costs and coverage for next year". This will enable the volunteer to find the best plan to match the needs of the individual. You can find more information about the SHINE program here.

If you would like to become a SHINE volunteer, please contact the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.