Allies in Aging Blog

A few minutes spent reviewing your Medicare prescription drug plan each year could save you money and ensure your medications remain covered. Medicare Part D Open Enrollment takes place October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, people with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a prescription drug plan, with any changes taking effect on January 1. Even if you're happy with your current plan, it's important to review your coverage annually. Medicare drug plans can

October 15 – December 7, 2026 Are you unsure about your Medicare options this year? Allies in Aging Resource Center is here to help! Our Resource Center is your local ally for navigating Medicare Part D. Our certified SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) specialists offer free, unbiased support to help you: Understand your Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) Explore cost-saving opportunities and extra help programs Review your plan’s formulary and pharmacy network

THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD FOR MEDICARE PART D WILL BE: OCTOBER 15TH TO DECEMBER 7th Don't wait until the enrollment period is here to start planning for next year! Get ahead of the crowd by downloading and completing the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Worksheet today. Alternatively, you can call The Resource Center at 406-259-5212 and request to be put on the Medicare Part D Worksheet mailing list. The worksheets will be mailed out on 9/22/2026. After that date, worksheet

Medicare's Extra Help program can lower what you pay for prescription drugs with Medicare drug coverage — including $0 premiums, $0 deductibles, and lower out-of-pocket costs. That's real savings that can add up fast. You may qualify if your 2026 yearly income is below $23,940 for an individual or $32,460 for a married couple. Not sure you qualify? It’s free to apply, and it could pay. Income limits are updated each year, and your situation may have changed, too. Even a past

Dr. Chris Baumert is the medical director of Montana Family Residency and a family medicine physician at RiverStone Health. If you have Medicare, a yearly Wellness Visit can help you stay healthy. This visit gives you time to talk with your healthcare provider about your health and plan for the future. Many older adults find this visit helpful because it focuses on prevention and staying well. A Medicare Wellness Visit is not the same as a regular checkup. During this visit,

In honor of Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, occurring June 1-5, we are spotlighting our Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program. This program helps older adults detect, prevent, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse, keeping their benefits safe and empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions. What the SMP Program Does Educates Seniors – SMP provides presentations, and resources that teach seniors how to recognize scams, billing errors, and identity theft. Suppor

Evelyn Dempsey, Director of Community Services Financial wellness looks different for everyone, and it evolves throughout our lives. In our younger years, conversations about financial health often focused on saving, building credit, and investing for the future. As people move through their careers, financial wellness may mean diversifying investments, preparing for retirement, or growing long-term assets. Once someone reaches retirement and begins living on a fixed income,