Entering the world of Medicare can often lead to more questions than answers with more than 80 plans to choose from, and AAA warns this year could be even more challenging for area residents to navigate given upcoming changes. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is from October 15 – December 7.

Current Medicare recipients should receive their plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by the first week of October. This notice will review changes to the benefits and costs of their current Medicare plan for the 2025 plan year.

Following the Federal government’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), AAA anticipates substantial changes to Medicare plans, particularly in terms of prescription drug coverage, for 2025. Therefore, it is very important for recipients to review Medicare plan coverage options for 2025 to ensure that they are enrolled in a plan that best meets their healthcare needs. AAA’s Medicare advisors can guide individuals to ensure they receive adequate coverage.

Medicare is the federal insurance program for people who are 65 or older or certain younger people with disabilities. AEP is the time of year that everyone who is Medicare eligible can make changes to their plans.

AAA partners with many different insurance carriers to offer a wide range of options so that recipients can maximize what their plan offers. Unlike many providers, AAA doesn’t work for insurance carriers, so advisors can offer unbiased assistance to help recipients find a Medicare plan to meet their needs. Services are available to all Medicare eligible individuals in the community, both AAA members and nonmembers alike.

The public can learn more by visiting www.AAA.com/Medicare to schedule an appointment online. Registration is also open for an upcoming event with consultations.

Find the Right Medicare Plan for 2025 - AAA Medicare Open House at Batavia Downs Gaming – will be held Mon, Oct. 7th from 09:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

AAA works with familiar carriers like Highmark, Excellus, Univera and Independent Health, offering more than 80 plans to tailor coverage to individual needs. Within the plans, Medicare has four main "Parts" that cover specific services. These are:

• Part A for hospital insurance. This is for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some health care services.
• Part B for medical insurance. This covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
• Part C aka Medicare Advantage. This is Medicare through a health care provider.
• Part D for prescription drug coverage. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare and Medicare-related plans.