Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today

Office of Healthy Aging and partners help Rhode Islanders explore Medicare options during Open Enrollment period

CRANSTON, R.I. – The Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) announced today the start of the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period in Rhode Island. During Open Enrollment, Medicare-eligible Rhode Islanders are encouraged to review, compare options, and make necessary changes to their existing Medicare plan for the following year. The open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2021.

To help Rhode Island’s 220,000 Medicare beneficiaries navigate the process, OHA and partnering agencies will offer free in-person and virtual personalized health insurance counseling, coordinated by  OHA’s  nationally  recognized  State  Health Information Program (SHIP). Through this extensive network of community partners and volunteers, SHIP provides free one-to-one coaching on Medicare benefits and services to older Rhode Islanders, adults living with disabilities and their families throughout the year.

“Every Rhode Islander should have access to high-quality affordable healthcare – especially, as we continue to see the impacts of COVID-19 in our communities,” said OHA Interim Director Michelle Szylin. “Our SHIP team is committed to helping Medicare-eligible Rhode Islanders, by offering virtual, in-person, and phone-based counseling to help understand and navigate coverage options. Even if individuals feel satisfied with their current plans, I encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity to review coverage and make adjustments if necessary, that better meets their needs.”

The Open Enrollment Period begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2021.

"Now more than ever it’s critical Rhode Islanders have access to information about their health insurance options,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Together with our team at the Office of Healthy Aging, we are committed to providing free services that engage our communities and ensure Rhode Islanders, adults living with disabilities, and their families have the resources they need to live healthy lives.”

Rhode Island SHIP counselors will be available to provide free, confidential, individual counseling to help beneficiaries find the most comprehensive and cost-effective Medicare health plan and Part D coverage. To schedule an appointment with a SHIP Counselor please contact a local SHIP agency or call 1-888-884-8721.

For more information about SHIP services and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, call 1-888-884-8721 or visit oha.ri.gov/Medicare.