Medicare Open Enrollment 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 on your coverage.
During 2025, 2,749 people in the TARCOG region have collectively saved more than $2.5 million on their Medicare insurance premiums because of the Alabama State Health Insurance Plan Program (SHIP).
Appointments are already being scheduled for the open enrollment period between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7.
“SHIP is here to help you every step of the way,” said Sheila Dessau-Ivey, director of aging programs. “The counselors save millions on Medicare insurance premiums each year for clients throughout our region.”
Sheila said counselors and volunteers are dedicated to helping participants navigate the often-confusing world of health insurance benefits.
It’s important for multiple reasons. Carla Sims, who coordinates SHIP in Limestone County, said she had one instance in which a couple was sharing insulin because they couldn’t afford it. On their insurance plan, it cost $400 a month for one of them to get a 30-day supply so they shared it. This meant neither was able to effectively manage their condition, but it was the best they could do.
Fortunately, the couple attended an outreach event where Carla spoke about SHIP and how important it is to review your prescription plan each year to make sure you have the best one for your needs.
The couple made an appointment.
“They were on the wrong program for their medication needs,” Carla said. She reviewed medications for both of them and found plans for them that allowed them to each get their insulin for $30 a month.
Carla said people don’t always understand why it’s important to review the medications each year, but to make sure you have the best plan for your individual needs, it’s best to spend a little time and let the SHIP counselors review the options to make sure you have the most beneficial plan.
“What works great one year may not be the same the next,” Carla said. “Plus, there are times when Medicare doesn’t renew a contract with a provider.”
It’s easy to get help. SHIP provides free, confidential, and objective information about Medicare, health insurance, and low-income resources for seniors, said Teresa Hazzard, TARCOG’s SHIP resource coordinator.
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 places 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 in Jackson County can be reached at 256-574-6733.
- Lynn Hixon in DeKalb County can be reached at 256-845-8590.
- Tammy McElroy, Sandy Bishop and Kennedy Cooper in Marshall County can be reached at 256-571-7805.
- Carla Sims in Limestone County can be reached at 256-233-6412.
