Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Begins October 15: Barnstable County SHINE Program Offers Free, Unbiased Help
Barnstable, MA — Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and runs through December 7, giving Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for the coming year.
Barnstable County’s SHINE Program is encouraging residents with Medicare to begin reviewing their coverage now and take advantage of free, unbiased counseling and educational presentations being offered across Cape Cod and the Islands this fall.
By September 30, Medicare beneficiaries will receive an Annual Notice of Change outlining changes to their current plan’s costs, benefits, or rules for the upcoming year. Reviewing that information carefully can help beneficiaries determine whether their current coverage continues to meet their health care and prescription drug needs.
Certified SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors can help residents understand their current Medicare coverage, compare health and prescription drug plans, identify potential cost-saving opportunities, and learn about programs that may help with premiums, copayments, and other expenses.
“Medicare Open Enrollment is the busiest and most critical period for the SHINE program,” said Kristina Whiton-O’Brien, LICSW, SHINE Program Manager. “We strongly encourage Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage during this time, as individual health needs and financial circumstances can change from year to year.”
Important SHINE Appointment Availability Update
Due to exceptionally high demand, the Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE Office is temporarily pausing new appointment requests. All available in-person and telephone counseling appointments through the Regional Office are currently booked.
Residents who still need assistance are encouraged to contact their local Council on Aging or Senior Center to inquire about appointment availability.
Open Enrollment Presentations Across Cape Cod and Webinars
Barnstable County SHINE is offering free “Open Enrollment – What You Need to Know” presentations to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options and prepare for the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment period.
Upcoming Local Presentations
- Tuesday, November 10 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Harwich Council on Aging
For information, call 508-430-7550. - Friday, November 13 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Eastham Council on Aging
For information, call 774-801-3151.
Watch the Recorded SHINE Open Enrollment Webinar
Missed the November 2 presentation? Watch the recording of SHINE Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know for 2027 to learn more about Medicare Open Enrollment and important considerations when reviewing your coverage.
Free Medicare Plan Finder Webinars
Additional statewide webinars are available to help Medicare beneficiaries learn how to use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare coverage options.
English-Language Webinars
- Monday, November 9 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Register for the November 9 Webinar - Tuesday, December 1 | 10:00–11:30 AM
Register for the December 1 Webinar
Spanish-Language Webinars
- Thursday, November 12 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Register for the November 12 Webinar - Tuesday, November 24 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Register for the November 24 Webinar
Recorded Medicare Plan Finder Presentations
Unable to attend a live webinar? Recorded presentations are also available:
Please note: Medicare.gov screenshots shown in recorded presentations may differ slightly from the current website.
Contact SHINE
For assistance with Medicare questions, residents may contact their local Council on Aging or Senior Center, or the Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE Office at 508-375-6762.
Please note: SHINE Open Enrollment counseling appointments are currently full for the remainder of the season. Residents can still access assistance and educational resources through the presentations and webinars listed above or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
For more information about SHINE and Medicare counseling, visit www.capecod.gov/SHINE.
