The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ends on December 7, and many people who qualify for Medicare may find themselves scrambling to complete the process, which can often feel overwhelming. Fortunately, AAA Western and Central New York has a team of licensed insurance agents on standby to guide individuals, so they can choose the best coverage for their needs. To further assist the public in the final days of AEP, licensed agents will be available for in-person meetings at AAA Amherst, Orchard Park, and Penfield on Saturday, December 2 from 9am-2pm.

Medicare is the federal insurance program for people who are 65 or older or certain younger people with disabilities. AEP is the time of year that everyone who is Medicare eligible can make changes to their plans. AAA partners with many different insurance carriers to offer a wide range of options for individuals to maximize plans. Since AAA doesn’t work for any insurance carriers, unbiased agents work for each individual to shop for the best plan for them. The service is available to all Medicare eligible individuals in the community, not just AAA Members.

AAA is able to answer common Medicare-related questions while clarifying Medicare myths:

•    What factors should I consider when choosing my Medicare coverage each year?
•    Does “Original Medicare” include vision, dental, and hearing benefits?
•    Do I need to sign up for Medicare at age 65 if I’m still working?
•    Are there penalties if I skip the Medicare AEP?
•    How does Medicare work with retiree insurance?
•    Can I enroll in Medicare if I have an HSA?

Answers to these common questions can be found at https://westerncentralny.aaa.com/insurance/medicare/faq.html.

AAA works with familiar carriers like Highmark, Excellus, Univera and Independent Health, offering over 75 plans to tailor coverage to unique needs. Within the plans, Medicare has four main "Parts" that cover specific services. These are:

•    Part A for hospital insurance. This is for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some health care services. 
•    Part B for medical insurance. This covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
•    Part C aka Medicare Advantage. This is Medicare through a health care provider.
•    Part D for prescription drug coverage. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare and Medicare-related plans.

AAA licensed insurance agents are available at local AAA branches, over the phone, or virtually. Visit  www.AAA.com/Medicare to schedule an appointment online.