Office for Aging hosting Medicare events during open enrollment period
Press Release, Office for the Aging in Orleans County
ALBION – The Orleans County Office for the Aging announced it will be hosting several events for Medicare beneficiaries during the fall annual open enrollment period which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review plan information and make educated decisions on what they want their coverage to be starting Jan. 1, 2026.
OFA will be hosting two Medicare Vendor Fairs. Representatives from Medicare Advantage Plans will be present to assist people in understanding changes in current plans and discuss any new plans for 2026.
They can also help those interested enroll in a plan. Attendees should bring their original Medicare Card and a list of both their prescription drugs and medical providers. The Medicare Vendor Fairs are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trolley Building on the Orleans County Fairgrounds
- Friday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. in Albion.
OFA will also be hosting two Comparison Meetings, where health insurance counselors from OFA will be available to answer questions, screen for possible benefits and provide unbiased information unrelated to any particular plan. Those events will both be held at the Orleans County Administration Building located at 14016 NY-31 in Albion on:
- Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Conference Room A/B
- Monday, Nov. 3 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room C
“Seniors are bombarded with information and solicitations for their healthcare insurance needs and with so many choices and potential program changes, it can get overwhelmingly very quickly,” said Melissa Blanar, Director of Orleans County OFA. “The goal of these meetings is to really help people understand their choices and spend time answering questions so they can make the decisions that are right for them.”
In addition, OFA offers a Medicare comparison packet that outlines beneficiaries’ options. Those interested in attending any of these events or receiving the Medicare comparison packet are asked to call OFA at 585-589-3191.
Seniors can also visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
