Medicare Open Enrollment Event Held in New Fairfield

Event Hosted by Connecticut Aging and Disability Services, Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, New Fairfield Senior Center, State and Local Officials

(NEW FAIRFIELD, CT) – An open enrollment event for Medicare Beneficiaries was held at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 State Route 37, New Fairfield, on Monday, October 28.

This program was offered through Connecticut’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), known as CHOICES, that provides free, unbiased Medicare information to beneficiaries across the state. Hosted by the New Fairfield Senior Center, members of the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging staff and volunteers had resources on hand to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed choices during this Medicare Open Enrollment period. A press conference was followed by an information and assistance session for the open enrollment period for New Fairfield Senior Center residents.

“Our Senior Center staff not only provide community events for New Fairfield residents, but they also offer Medicare counseling,” said Rep. Patrick Callahan (R-New Fairfield). “It’s important for seniors to review coverage every year because there are always changes being made to the program. For instance, now there’s a $35 cap on insulin through Part D drug plans. I want to thank the Western Connecticut Area on Aging for coordinating with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program CHOICES and hosting this open enrollment event.”

“We have amazing partners in our Area Agencies on Aging and Seniors Centers throughout the state,” Amy Porter, Connecticut Aging and Disability Services Commissioner said. “With Medicare changes in 2025, it’s an excellent opportunity to look over your current plan for the next year, explore possible cost savings and make any needed changes for the best possible coverage. Aging and Disability Services is committed to ensuring that older adults in Connecticut get crucial supports to ensure their independence and well-being.”

“As of February 2024, nearly 969,000 residents of Connecticut were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). At the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services we celebrate Medicare and Medicaid and the role they have played over the past six decades in helping Americans live longer, healthier lives and achieve economic security. Thanks to the President’s new lower cost prescription drug law, the lives of Medicare recipients are changing for the better. About 256,000 Connecticut residents will save an average of $368 per year on prescription drug costs- for a total of over $94 million- when new policies, including the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on Medicare prescription drug costs go into effect in 2025.” – Everett Handford, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region 1.

“At WCAAA, we are dedicated to making sure that Medicare beneficiaries in our region have access to the resources and support they need to make informed decisions during open enrollment,” said Spring Raymond, Executive Director of the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. “Our CHOICES counselors are here to provide free, unbiased information to ensure that seniors can navigate the complexities of Medicare with confidence. We encourage anyone with questions to call the CHOICES/SHIP hotline at 800-994-9422.”

“I am very happy to have this event being held in our Town to help educate the community,” said Melissa Lindsey, First Selectwoman, New Fairfield. “Medicare can be intimidating and difficult to navigate, so having this event and offering some extra guidance is extremely helpful.”

In addition to information about Medicare Open Enrollment, there will be representatives from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, state and local officials, and counseling assistance from CHOICES.

• For more information about the Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare changes: Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare | CMS.
• For FREE, unbiased counseling on care and benefits for Medicare-Eligible Individuals: CHOICES, Connecticut’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program or call 800-994-9422.
• For more information on the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging: WCAAA or call 203-757-5449.
• For upcoming news and events from the New Fairfield Senior Center: New Fairfield Senior Center or call 203-312-5665.