Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Begins October 15: Barnstable County SHINE Program Offers Free, Unbiased Help

Published on: September 30, 2026

Barnstable, MA (September 30, 2026) — Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and runs through December 7, giving Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for the coming year.

Barnstable County’s SHINE Program is encouraging residents with Medicare to begin reviewing their coverage now and take advantage of free, unbiased counseling and educational presentations being offered across Cape Cod and the Islands this fall.

By September 30, Medicare beneficiaries will receive an Annual Notice of Change outlining changes to their current plan’s costs, benefits, or rules for the upcoming year. Reviewing that information carefully can help beneficiaries determine whether their current coverage continues to meet their health care and prescription drug needs.

Certified SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors can help residents understand their current Medicare coverage, compare health and prescription drug plans, identify potential cost-saving opportunities, and learn about programs that may help with premiums, copayments, and other expenses.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is the busiest and most critical period for the SHINE program,” said Kristina Whiton-O’Brien, LICSW, SHINE Program Manager. “We strongly encourage Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage during this time, as individual health needs and financial circumstances can change from year to year.”

There is no cost to meet with a SHINE counselor. Appointments are available in person, by phone, or online, and residents are encouraged to schedule early because appointments can fill quickly during Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment Presentations Across Cape Cod

Barnstable County SHINE will also offer a series of free “Open Enrollment – What You Need to Know” presentations throughout October and November:

Thursday, October 8 | 1–3 p.m. – Yarmouth Senior Center
Monday, October 19 | 2–4 p.m. – Falmouth Senior Center
Thursday, October 22 | 12–2 p.m. – Chatham Community Center
Monday, October 26 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Provincetown Council on Aging
Monday, October 26 | 2–4 p.m. – Orleans Council on Aging
Monday, November 2 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, November 10 | 1–2 p.m. – Harwich Council on Aging
Tuesday, November 10 | 1–2 p.m. – Bourne Council on Aging

Residents can schedule a SHINE appointment by contacting their local Council on Aging or Senior Center or the Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE office at 508-375-6762.

For more information about SHINE, upcoming presentations, and Medicare counseling, visit https://www.capecod.gov/SHINE.

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