Get Unbiased Help to Make the Right Medicare CHOICES

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Every fall, seniors and their families struggle to make the right choices when it comes to their Medicare coverage, because choosing the wrong supplement could result in significant issues – like the loss of a favorite doctor, paying more than necessary for essential prescriptions, or overpaying for coverage that isn’t needed. But there’s a better way to make a wise decision than simply guessing: working with a CHOICES volunteer.

These volunteers are here to help guide seniors through Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Volunteers come from all walks of life. Longtime volunteer Marna Schirmer, for example, is a retired nurse, but there are social workers, doctors, lawyers and many more professionals among CHOICES’ volunteer ranks. All go through intense training to be certain they are ready to deal with each participant’s unique questions and needs.

That’s essential because every senior’s medical history and current needs are unique, and it takes time to identify the plan that best suits them. CHOICES volunteers offer unbiased advice that is not motivated by profit. As Schirmer explains, many seniors suffer when they rely on an insurance broker to guide them toward the right plan. “You don’t want someone who is making money from your decision to be helping you make your decision. Brokers have a conflict of interest. They are giving you advice, but they are basically also selling the plan that they make the most money off of,” she notes. CHOICES volunteers, on the other hand, take the time to understand each senior’s unique medical situation and then guide them toward the least expensive plan that works best for them.

Best of all, working with a CHOICES volunteer is an option for everyone. As Southwest CT Agency on Aging Executive Director Marie Allen notes, “CHOICES services are free, and are not dependent on income. That allows far more people and those they love to access these essential services.

Are you interested in helping seniors and their loved ones find these essential services? Then volunteering with CHOICES might be right for you! No experience is necessary, just a love for helping others and a commitment to go through the training process. As Claire Volain, CHOICES Coordinator at SWCAA notes, “CHOICES volunteers make a tremendous difference in local seniors’ health and their peace of mind. Reach out to me to learn more about becoming a volunteer.”

Need more information on reaching or becoming a CHOICES volunteer, scheduling your appointment or what type of information you need to bring to that appointment? Visit the Southwest CT Agency on Aging at www.swcaa.org or 203.333.9288.

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