Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Understanding the different parts of Medicare is the first step to making confident, informed decisions about your coverage.
Part A — Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people get premium-free Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Covers doctor services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, which is based on income.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans typically combine Parts A and B and often include Part D prescription drug coverage, plus extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and can be added to Original Medicare or included in many Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Optional policies sold by private insurance companies to help fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans do not work with Medicare Advantage plans.
Not sure where to start? Our SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased guidance to help you understand your options and choose the coverage that fits your needs and budget. Call us at (207) 764-3396 to speak with a counselor.
Medicare 101
The Agency's knowledgeable staff provides regular "Medicare 101" classes, helping you to understand your Medicare coverage options, become familiar with the enrollment process, learn how to save on prescription drugs and much more. Please call Aroostook Agency on Aging at (207) 764-3396 for more information or to preregister for a link to the class.
Initial Enrollment
Approaching age 65? The Aroostook Agency on Aging provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help you navigate your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) with confidence.
Our trained Medicare counselors provide objective, one-on-one guidance. We do not sell insurance. No matter where you are in the process, we are here to help you:
Understand Your Timeline
Learn the details of your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (starting 3 months before your 65th birthday) to help you avoid costly late-enrollment penalties.
Choose the Right Path
Compare your options, such as Original Medicare (Parts A & B) paired with a Medigap policy versus a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, and select the right Part D prescription drug plan.
Find Financial Assistance
Screen for cost-saving programs like Extra Help (for prescriptions) or Medicare Savings Programs (like QMB) if you have limited income.
Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7)
During the annual Open Enrollment period, our specialists visit communities around Aroostook County to help older adults assess and enroll in Part D (prescription drug coverage) plans that work best with their needs. Session dates, locations, and times are listed below.
Please note: All available appointments for this year are booked. For help with your Medicare options, contact a trusted local insurance broker or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 15 | Mars Hill — Access Point, 10 ACI Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Oct. 19 | Caribou — Access Point, 30 High Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Oct. 20 | Presque Isle — Agency on Aging, 260 Main Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Oct. 21 | Van Buren — Access Point, 130 Champlain Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Oct. 26 | Fort Kent — Access Point, 1 Monument Square | 9:30 – 2:00 (full) |
| Oct. 28 | Presque Isle — Agency on Aging, 260 Main Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Oct. 29 | Caribou — Access Point, 30 High Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 2 | Houlton — Access Point, 56 Military Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 5 | Ashland — Access Point, 57 Exchange Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 10 | Presque Isle — Agency on Aging, 260 Main Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 12 | Madawaska — Access Point, 393 Main Street | 9:30 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 16 | Fort Fairfield — Access Point, 339 Main Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 17 | Caribou — Access Point, 30 High Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 19 | Island Falls — Access Point, 68 Houlton Road | 9:30 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 23 | Madawaska — Access Point, 393 Main Street | 9:30 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 24 | Presque Isle — Agency on Aging, 260 Main Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Nov. 30 | Houlton — Access Point, 56 Military Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Dec. 2 | Presque Isle — Agency on Aging, 260 Main Street | 9:00 – 2:00 (full) |
| Dec. 3 | Fort Kent — Access Point, 1 Monument Square | 9:30 – 2:00 (full) |
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are state-run MaineCare programs that help lower-income older adults and people with disabilities pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you qualify, Maine will pay some or all of your Medicare costs, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses significantly. Call (207) 764-3396 to speak with a specialist who can determine whether you qualify and assist you with the application.