The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers regarding health insurance and Medicare-related issues. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on your current benefits, SHIP can help.
Are you transitioning to Medicare? We’re here to help.
Open Enrollment Begins Wednesday, Oct. 15
Medicare’s annual open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, people on Medicare can review and change their prescription drug plans (Part D) or Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). This is the only time of year to make these changes. Plans may raise or lower their costs, change what they cover, or switch which pharmacies they work with. Reviewing your current plan can help you find better coverage and save money in 2026.
Our Medicare counselors provide free, unbiased help. They can compare your current plan with other options. Last year, Boulder County’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Medicare counselors helped Medicare beneficiaries save more than $746,000 by finding lower-cost plans with better coverage, reducing drug cost copays and coinsurance.
Medicare Counseling – New Appointment System!
One-on-one counseling addresses specific questions and concerns about Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medicare/Medicaid coverage. You might want to speak with one of our Medicare Counselors about the following:
- Medicare Part D plan review & enrollment
- Medication formulary research
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan review and enrollment
- In-network doctors, facilities and medication research
- Claims and billing issues
- Medicare Appeals
- Medicare Savings Plan eligibility and Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy
- Medicare/Medicaid coverage
- Transitioning to Medicare through disability
- Medicare coverage and costs
- Medigap Supplemental plans
- What to know if you will continue to work
- Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
- Medicare fraud prevention – questions, call us!
- How to read your Medicare Summary Notice
Request an appointment online.
Phone: 303-441-1546 (English y Español)
Email: medicare@bouldercounty.gov
Education
Medicare Basics classes, attend to receive a great overview and understanding of Medicare enrollment, costs and coverage options
Our Medicare Basics Classes, live via Zoom, are designed for anyone wanting to understand Medicare enrollment, plans, benefits, and costs. Our program provides up-to-date, objective information and guidance when comparing and enrolling in Prescription Drug plans (Medicare Part D), Advantage Plans, and information about Supplemental insurance plans (Medigaps). We also provide guidance in the appeal process and information about resources for financial help with Medicare costs.
Find the most up-to-date offering of classes and register by clicking the dates below. Classes are currently still virtual and offered through the Zoom platform. 2025 Medicare Basics Class Packet
Need a quick review? Check out our recorded 3-part series.
- Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 16, 1:30-3 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday,. Dec. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
Alerts for Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries
Alert 1 for All Medicare Beneficiaries: 2026 Medicare and Social Security mailings begin soon – be on the lookout! Your plan will send you a “Plan Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) each fall. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January.
Alert 2 for All Medicare Beneficiaries: To receive notifications from Medicare & Social Security update your address online in my Social Security, update your address online in my Social Security account or by calling Social Security directly 1-800-772-1213
Alert 3 for Medicaid Beneficiaries: You have a few options to receive Medicaid renewal notices, update your address with Colorado Department of Human Services, Health First Colorado – Boulder County, call 303-441-1000
- 515 Coffman Street Longmont CO 80501
- 3400 North Broadway, Boulder CO 80304
- 1755 S Public Rd, Lafayette CO 80026
Visit Colorado PEAK, then go to your ‘Mailbox’ and select ‘Update communication preferences’ from that page.
Alert 4 for Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries: Medicare Part D plan changes – look for your Annual Notice of Change letter (ANOC) arriving by mail in late September
- If you receive a gray-colored “Loss of Deemed Status” letter from CMS you may need to reapply for Extra Help benefits
Alert 5 for Extra Help Beneficiaries: Some Medicare Part D beneficiaries will need to act to keep their Extra Help benefits in 2026. Starting in early-September, Social Security (SSA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be sending letters to some Medicare beneficiaries regarding the status of their Medicare Part D Extra Help benefits. If you are a Medicare beneficiary who receives one of these letters and does not respond to this September mailing, you risk losing your 2026 Extra Help Benefits. Look for the title: “Social Security Notice to Review Eligibility for Extra Help”. Forms must be completed and returned within 30 days. Keep all notifications for your records.
Questions on Medicare or Extra Help? Call Boulder County Medicare at 303-441-1546 or email us at medicare@bouldercounty.gov.
