Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15; free local counseling appointments available
Press release
OTTAWA – Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, 2026. The East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (ECKAAA) is offering free, unbiased, one-on-one appointments in Ottawa and at satellite locations throughout its service area to help Medicare beneficiaries review their current coverage, compare available plans, and make informed decisions about their healthcare and prescription drug coverage for 2027.
Medicare plans can change from year to year, including premiums, deductibles, prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs. During Medicare Open Enrollment, beneficiaries can change their overall Medicare plan and change their prescription drug plan. Any changes made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Free Medicare Counseling Available in Your CommunityThrough the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) program, the ECKAAA has blocked off days for satellite appointments at community locations throughout the six (6) counties ECKAAA serves.
Open Enrollment worksheets must be filled out and returned to ECKAAA BEFORE an appointment is set. Worksheets can be downloaded from our website, picked up at the Ottawa office, or picked up at each satellite location. All worksheets need to be sealed in an envelope and returned to the satellite location closest to you or to our Ottawa office before an appointment can be scheduled.
Medicare Open Enrollment Appointment Schedule:
Tuesday, October 27: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Overbrook Library- 317 Maple Overbrook
Wednesday, October 28: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Garnett Extension Office- 411 S. Oak St., Garnett
Tuesday, November 3: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Waverly Library- 608 Pearson, Waverly
Friday, November 6: 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Burlington Library- 410 W Juniatta St, Burlington
Wednesday, November 18: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Burlington Library- 410 W Juniatta St, Burlington
Friday, November 20: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Garnett Library- 125 W 4th Ave, Garnett
Saturday, November 21: Call 785-242-7200 for available times | ECKAAA Office, Ottawa
Monday, November 23: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Osage City Library- 515 Main St, Osage City
All Medicare Open Enrollment counseling sessions are by appointment only. Appointments will be scheduled with those who have filled out and returned an enrollment worksheet.
Important Deadlines: ECKAAA will stop accepting appointments and worksheets December 1. Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7; plans must receive enrollment requests by that date.
For more information contact the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging at 785-242-7200.
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