The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period for the 2025 calendar year begins on Wednesday, October 15, and is a crucial time for millions of Americans aged 65 and over. Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—including plan cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. Everyone enrolled in Medicare may change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs between October 15 and December 7.
In Massachusetts, a dedicated group plays a vital role in empowering people to navigate the complex landscape of Medicare and associated insurances. These unsung heroes are SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors. With their knowledge, compassion, and commitment, SHINE counselors make a significant difference in the lives of older adults by providing invaluable guidance and support.
SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased, health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. SHINE is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence in coordination with local agencies.
SHINE counselors are available to meet with individuals, married couples, and caregivers who are trying to make sense of the complications of Medicare. They offer appointments at local hospitals, councils on aging and at SeniorCare’s offices in Gloucester. SHINE appointments can be in-person or remotely—via telephone calls and online meetings. Whether face-to-face or remote, the service is the same. The counselor’s job is to help the Medicare enrollee understand their insurance choices and options.
If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you should review all materials that your health or prescription plan provider sends you. If you have any questions about what you have read, if you have had changes in your medical needs in the past year, or if your insurance coverage has changed, it’s time to make an appointment with a SHINE counselor. Appointments are scheduled for individual policy reviews, but a family member or friend may join you during the meeting to help you understand everything or simply for moral support. Make a list of all your medical needs, your medications, and your questions. Write down everything before your appointment. Your SHINE counselor will go through everything with you and give recommendations on which plans may be best suited to your needs. Married couples should schedule two appointments to review both of their plans.
If you are approaching 65 and do not know where to begin, you can get quite a bit of information online at medicare.gov. On this website, click the “Get Started with Medicare” link. Don’t wait until the last minute to start learning about Medicare. Give yourself plenty of time to review and understand all of the information. (There is a lot of information!) In addition to the Medicare website, the Massachusetts SHINE office is holding free, monthly “Introduction to Medicare” webinars. To learn about upcoming webinars, visit SeniorCare’s calendar of events. Once you’ve reviewed the materials available, consider giving SHINE a call. They can walk you through everything and help you get started.
During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, you may see advertisements for free information on TV, in newspapers, on social media, and everywhere else a company can advertise. Be aware that the information these advertisers offer may be presented in a way to promote their business. They want you to buy their product. The information they provide is not necessarily untrue, but it may be presented to make their product look better than their competition. If you call an 800-number for information, keep this in mind.
To schedule a SHINE appointment—call your local council on aging or hospital, or call SeniorCare at 978-281-1750 or the regional SHINE office at 978-946-1374. SHINE is a free service for all Massachusetts residents who are eligible for Medicare. Take advantage of this service. Don’t wade into the Medicare arena without the assistance of a knowledgeable advocate!
