SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. — The Sussex County Division of Senior Services is offering free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries during the annual Medicare Part D prescription drug plan open enrollment period.
Open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. For most people with Medicare, the enrollment period is the only opportunity to change, add or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Changes made during the enrollment period will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The Division of Senior Services provides free one-on-one assistance through the Sussex County State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. Both in-person and telephone appointments will be available.
County officials are encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to review their current coverage to determine whether their plan continues to meet their needs and remains cost-effective. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can make changes to costs and coverage each year.
Before making changes, beneficiaries are encouraged to review their plan’s “Annual Notice of Change,” which Medicare prescription drug plans are required to mail to members by Oct. 31. The notice outlines changes for 2027, including premiums, deductibles, copayments and the plan’s formulary, or list of covered medications.
Some Medicare beneficiaries also receive prescription drug coverage through an employer or union plan. If that coverage is as good as or better than the Medicare benefit, it is considered “creditable coverage,” and the beneficiary does not need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
Employer and union plan administrators are required to notify covered members by Nov. 15 whether their prescription drug coverage is considered creditable. Questions about that coverage should be directed to the specific employer or union plan.
Medicare beneficiaries seeking assistance can schedule an in-person or telephone appointment with the Sussex County Division of Senior Services by calling 973-579-0555, ext. 1223.
SHIP is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services with financial assistance through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
