Houston-Area Medicare Beneficiaries Can Get Free, Unbiased Counseling During 2025 Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment is underway through December 7, 2025, and for many Harris County residents, that means making critical decisions about health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. Fortunately, the Harris County Area Agency on Aging (HCAAA)—a division of the Houston Health Department—is providing free, unbiased benefits counseling to help Medicare recipients understand and evaluate their options.
The HCAAA’s team of benefits counselors can help older adults and their caregivers compare Medicare Advantage plans, review prescription drug coverage (Part D), and explore cost-saving programs. Counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company and do not endorse specific plans, offering neutral and trusted advice so individuals can make informed choices based on their personal health needs and financial situation.
Who Can Get Help?
This free service is primarily designed for people aged 60 and older, but individuals under 60 who qualify for Medicare due to a disability or medical condition such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) may also be eligible. In these cases, additional support may be provided in partnership with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
To schedule an appointment, call:
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HCAAA: 832-393-4301 or 800-213-8471
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ADRC (for beneficiaries under 60): 1-855-YES-ADRC (1-855-937-2372)
Appointments can be conducted in-person, via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or by telephone.
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What Happens During an Appointment?
Appointments are personalized, confidential, and designed to make the process as stress-free as possible. Clients should have the following documents on hand:
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Medicare card (especially if switching plans)
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List of current medications
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Proof of current health insurance
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Social Security award letter or other proof of income
In addition to reviewing plan options, counselors will check eligibility for important programs like the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy). These programs can assist with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and prescription drug costs—offering significant relief to qualifying individuals.
What’s New in 2026?
Thanks to provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin costs remain capped for those on Medicare. For 2026:
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Medicare Part D drug plans cannot charge more than $35 for a one-month supply of each covered insulin product.
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No deductible applies to insulin under Part D.
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Insulin delivered via a pump (covered under Part B) is also subject to similar protections, which began in mid-2023.
These changes are a continuation of efforts to make critical medications more affordable for seniors and people with disabilities.
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Why This Matters
Open enrollment is the only window each year when most Medicare beneficiaries can:
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Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
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Enroll in or change Part D prescription plans
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Choose new coverage that better fits their evolving health needs
Failing to review or adjust your plan could mean higher costs or less coverage in the year ahead.
Don’t Wait Until the Deadline
The open enrollment deadline is December 7, and any changes made will go into effect January 1, 2026. Houston-area residents are encouraged to schedule their appointments early to avoid last-minute stress and ensure they have enough time to explore all available options.
For a preview of 2026 Medicare plans and tools to compare coverage, visit the official website at medicare.gov.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
