The Harris County Area Agency on Aging (HCAAA), a division of the Houston Health Department, is providing free assistance to beneficiaries during the annual Medicare open enrollment period. Individuals can compare their Medicare options and make changes to their health or prescription drug coverage for 2026.

Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, under 65 with a disability, or living with end-stage renal disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Benefits counselors offer unbiased guidance and do not endorse any specific insurance plan. Appointments are available in-office, virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and by telephone. Beneficiaries should have the following items on hand during appointments: a Medicare card (if changing current benefits), a list of current medications, an award letter from Social Security or proof of income, and proof of current health insurance.

Open enrollment allows beneficiaries to:

• Change their Medicare health or prescription drug coverage for 2026
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Return from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare
• Choose the plan that best meets their needs for the upcoming year

Participants will also receive information on cost-saving programs, including Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Extra Help or Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), which can assist with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Medicare drug plans cannot charge more than $35 for a one-month supply of covered insulin products, and no deductible applies.

Beneficiaries or their legal representatives can schedule appointments or obtain more information by calling the HCAAA call center at 832-393-4301 or 800-213-8471. For Medicare beneficiaries under age 60, free enrollment assistance is available through the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) by calling 1-855-YES-ADRC (1-855-937-2372).

Open enrollment ends December 7, 2025, with new coverage beginning January 1, 2026. Medicare plans can be previewed online at Medicare.gov.