It’s time to prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which starts in just a few weeks, and TARCOG is here as a trusted resource for counseling and support to help you make an informed choice about your coverage.
In 2025, the Medicare Open Enrollment period had multiple challenges because of the federal government shutdown, but there are still 2,672 people in northeast Alabama who have been collectively saving more than $1.5 million throughout 2026 thanks to the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), administered through the TARCOG Area Agency on Aging.
SHIP Resource Coordinator Teresa Hazzard said open enrollment happens from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 this year. Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution in early September to prevent a shutdown on Oct. 1, so counselors expect the process will be easier for everyone this year.
Open enrollment is the time each year when someone can make changes to their Medicare Advantage plan, drug plan, or how they get coverage, Teresa said. The changes made during Open Enrollment are effective Jan. 1 of the following year, as long as the enrollment request is filed by Dec. 7.
TARCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan said SHIP is an important program because change is inevitable in people’s lives. Having an objective advocate to review plans and find the most cost-efficient coverage for needed medications can make a difference in household budgets.
Teresa said there are always many plans out there, and they all offer different coverage. Each company’s plan usually changes each year. That’s why it’s important to check coverage every year because the SHIP counselors in the region are able to compare a client’s medication list with the different plans and find the most cost-effective option to share with the client.
“These days, we know every penny counts,” Teresa said. “So being able to help people find plans that are within their budgets is important.”
Michelle said counselors and volunteers are dedicated to helping participants navigate the often-confusing world of health insurance benefits.
It’s easy to get help. SHIP provides free, confidential, and objective information about Medicare, health insurance, and low-income resources for seniors.
“If you haven’t already, now is the time to go ahead and start scheduling your appointments,” Teresa said.
What’s important to know about the Alabama SHIP program through TARCOG is that the counselors are not affiliated with an insurance company and will not attempt to sell insurance to Medicare beneficiaries, like the companies that consumers call in response to TV commercials featuring celebrities.
The TARCOG team responsible for answering questions and helping all TARCOG clients includes:
- Teresa Hazzard, who works out of TARCOG’s headquarters in Huntsville can be reached at 256-830-0818.
- Veronica Woodall, Jackson County Council on Aging, can be reached at 256-259-9911
- Lynn Hixon, DeKalb County Council on Aging, can be reached at 256-845-8590, Ext. 2
- Tammy McElroy or Sandy Bishop, Marshall County Council Aging, can be reached at 256-571-7805
- Carla Sims, Limestone County Council on Aging, can be reached at 256-233-6412
