Did you know that every year you should evaluate your existing Medicare Coverage? Medicare Open Enrollment period is available from October 15 through December 7 each year, and allows Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to switch plans for the following year.

The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) offers Medicare eligible individuals the opportunity to evaluate their current coverage against the newly available 2021 options for coverage in the following ways: One-on-One counseling and assistance is available by calling the DSPS Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100 and/or the Westchester Library Systems Senior Benefit Information and Counseling Line at (914) 231-3260.

You can also attend our latest Medicare 101 Basics presentation on November 18 at 10 a.m. via Zoom, to obtain important information you will need in order to learn how Medicare works, discover the latest changes within the Program, review different coverage types and see which plans are the best for you and your current needs. 

Other topics that will be covered are: Medicare Parts A & B, changing needs with Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage), Medigap insurance vs. Medicare Advantage Plans, cost-sharing and preventive benefits, and how to use Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) for even greater savings. EPIC is a New York State sponsored plan that helps eligible seniors pay prescription drug costs. 

Commissioner of DSPS Mae Carpenter said: “I encourage everyone to explore their insurance options to save as much money as possible during this year's Medicare open enrollment period.”

Please don’t delay, sign up for this important training. You can join in by using your computer, tablet, or phone. To register for the November 18 virtual Zoom session please e-mail Vaughn Mosley at

Virtual “Demystifying Medicare” Workshops are also available through the Westchester Library System. The presentation is presented in audio chapters, in which the audience can move at their own pace and refer to downloadable handouts. Watch the presentation.

For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call (800) 633-4227.