Medicare 2026 Income Limits for Savings Programs Released
SHIP Coordinator Whitney Anderson reminds you that Medicare has released the 2026 income limits for the various savings programs that cover some Medicare expenses for low-income families in Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties. If your income is below the levels in the chart nearby, then you could qualify for help with Medicare premiums and other insurance costs.
Call CAAC at 334-240-4680 and ask for ADRC or send an email to caac.adrc@caac-al.org .
Tell them you are interested in a Medicare Savings program.
Medicare Open Enrollment ends on March 31st
The Details from Whitney, SHIP Coordinator
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Hey everyone. That’s right, there is a Medicare Open Enrollment coming up in January. But wasn’t there an enrollment that ended December 7? Yes, there was, but this one coming up is different. This enrollment period is only for those who are actively on an advantage plan as of January 1st and it allows for a one-time change to your coverage. The change becomes effective the 1st day of the following month after the new plan receives your request. For example, if you change in February, it will become effective March 1st.
This enrollment period is important and beneficial to the Medicare population for a few reasons. If someone missed the annual open enrollment period that ended December 7, 2025, this would provide an opportunity for them to receive better coverage. If someone is displeased with a plan due to their poor customer service, the benefit period will allow for them to change to a plan they want. The enrollment period is also great if a client did not verify their providers’ network status before enrolling in a plan during annual enrollment.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment period allows the client two different options. The first is to change from one advantage plan to another. The new plan can be with the same company or a different one. The second option is to change from a Medicare Advantage plan to traditional Medicare with a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). Changing back to traditional Medicare would remove some of the additional benefits that Medicare Advantage plans have such as vision coverage, dental coverage, and the over-the-counter benefit.
If you need or want to change plans, there are precautions you must take. First, verify all providers are in-network. This will include dental and vision if you are changing to another Medicare Advantage plan. Second, make sure that your medicines are covered, and third, verify that any treatments required for your health can be covered.
Remember! Once March 31st passes, there will be little to no chance of you being able to change plans again until Annual Open Enrollment begins in October 2026. If you need help or have questions, call us at Central Alabama Aging Consortium at 334-240-4680, and ask for our SHIP program.
NEARLY 60 PERCENT OF SENIORS IN AUTAUGA, ELMORE AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES ARE MISSING OUT ON THE MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM. WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DETAILS.
MEDICARE FRAUD PREVENTION
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