 |
| During 2025, Southern Maine Agency on Aging's Medicare Counseling Program served 1,662 Medicare beneficiaries, helping older adults understand their options, uncover cost savings, and access benefits they did not even know were available. An additional 530 beneficiaries attended SMAA's Medicare seminars and fraud prevention presentations. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
As this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment ended, the impact of that work is clear.
Through one-on-one counseling in 2025, volunteers served 1,662 Medicare beneficiaries, helping older adults understand their options, uncover cost savings, and access benefits they did not even know were available. An additional 530 beneficiaries gained clarity and confidence through SMAA’s Medicare seminars and fraud prevention presentations.
For many older adults, Medicare Open Enrollment can feel overwhelming. Plans change, costs rise, and the language is confusing. The fear of making the wrong choice, or missing out on financial assistance, can turn an already complex process into a source of real stress.
“So many people aren’t aware of the financial assistance programs available to them,” says Michaela, a SMAA Medicare volunteer. “Helping someone access those benefits can truly change their life. It can mean better healthcare, more stability, and less stress.”
Behind every counseling session and seminar was a strong system of support. SMAA’s Medicare volunteers were guided throughout Open Enrollment by SMAA staff Chloe Gray and Renee Kocev, whose coordination, training, and steady presence ensured volunteers had the tools, up-to-date information, and backup they needed to serve clients with confidence and care.
For clients, the impact is immediate and deeply felt.
“Many thanks again for your time and your expertise,” said Mary E. Hobgood. “I was concerned about the red tape and having to make choices in the dark. All that is gone. My backpack is considerably lighter now. The Southern Maine Agency on Aging is a gift to our community, and to this older Mainer in particular.”
As the focal point in Cumberland and York counties for resources, services, and information for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, SMAA programs address a variety of issues, be they financial, medical, social, or personal. While its direct service programs are empowering individuals to live to their fullest potential, they are also advocating at the state level for changes to the systems that oppress our most vulnerable citizens.
From fighting food insecurity and homelessness to increasing engagement in socially vulnerable towns to growing our community partner network to battling the social isolation epidemic — SMAA’s dedicated staff, partners, supporters, and large network of volunteers are implementing solutions to the increased health disparities we see in our communities.
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging is one of five Agencies on Aging that serve the state of Maine.
This year, SMAA’s Medicare team also expanded outreach into culturally diverse communities, supported 42 speakers of other languages, and created new access points for support, including successful open-enrollment walk-in hours. These efforts ensured that help was not just available, but reachable when it mattered most.
By the end of the year, the impact was undeniable. SMAA’s Medicare Counseling Program helped older adults save $1,048,400. That money now goes toward prescriptions, groceries, housing, and daily essentials instead of unnecessary healthcare costs.
During one of the most important decision-making periods of the year, SMAA’s Medicare volunteers did more than explain plans or compare costs. They helped people feel informed, supported, and confident about choices that affect their health, finances, and daily lives.
The impact of SMAA’s Medicare Counseling Program is made possible by community support and dedicated volunteers. Discover how you can get involved, support this work, or access services for yourself or a loved one by visiting www.smaaa.org. <
No comments:
Post a Comment