Questions about Medicare? SHIIP can help

Published on November 14, 2025

Seniors have until Dec. 7 to get free guidance on Medicare changes.

Each year during the Open Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries can compare and evaluate their current plans and make changes as needed.

By comparing plans, beneficiaries can save money and ensure next year’s plan meets their needs.

All changes must be made by Dec. 7 to ensure coverage can begin without interruption on Jan.1.

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and offers free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues. In addition to helping Medicare beneficiaries compare and enroll in plans during the Open Enrollment Period, SHIIP counselors can help people find out if they are eligible for Medicare cost savings programs.

Here are some of the ways to review and compare plans available for the coming year:

• Get one-on-one help from your local SHIIP office by calling Cabarrus County Social Services at 704-920-1400 (then choose option 7)
• Visit www.Medicare.gov/plan-compare for all things Medicare, including plan comparisons
• Review the Medicare & You handbook that was mailed to all beneficiaries earlier this year
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To find out more about your coverage options, TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048

For more information about SHIIP and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, call 1-855-408-1212 or visit www.ncshiip.com.