Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15 and ends December 7.

Don’t miss the opportunity to review your Medicare coverage options.

Hartford HealthCare’s Medicare Education Department is comprised of Medicare Educators who serve as a valuable and free resource for Hartford HealthCare patients and the senior community when it comes to simplifying the complexities of Medicare.

Free programs and services include:

  • Medicare seminars and webinars
  • Individual in-person, virtual or phone consultations
  • Special programs and community events for seniors and their families
  • Informational resources and educational materials
  • See below to learn more about our services

Where do I start?

  • See below to view our upcoming Medicare webinars.
  • See below for resources to help you learn more about Medicare.
  • Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our Medicare Educators.

Events, Webinars, Seminars

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period: Why Shop?

This is a virtual or in-person class for those interested in learning more about Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period including:

  • How the Annual Enrollment Period works
  • Things to consider when shopping for a Medicare plan
  • Live Q&A with the experts

To register for this event, call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373)

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period: Why Shop?

Making the Most of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

This is an interactive webinar to help Medicare-eligibles learn more about:

  • Your opportunity to make a Medicare Advantage plan change during the Open Enrollment Period
  • Things to consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan
  • Live Q&A with the experts

To register for this event, call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).

Making the Most of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

Medicare 101: Understanding Your Options

This is a free webinar or seminar designed to educate you on the basics of Medicare and how it works including:

  • Medicare Advantage plans
  • Medicare Supplement plans
  • Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
  • Live Q&A with the experts

Details & Registration

Understanding the Medicare Savings Programs

This is a free webinar focusing on the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and others that are available to help you save on your out-of-pocket cost of healthcare. You will learn about:

  • Programs available under the MSP
  • The Extra Help Program 
  • The Medicaid Program
  • Medicare Special Needs Plans

To register for this event, call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).

Our Services

Medicare Questions?Medicare Questions? We have answers.

Medicare can be confusing, especially during these uncertain times.

Our Medicare Educators provide you with education on how Medicare works, help you understand your Medicare coverage options, and guide you through the Medicare process to empower you to make more informed decisions about your Medicare coverage.

FREE Educational Programs & Services include:

  • Medicare 101 online webinars and seminars
  • Virtual, phone or in-person consultations
  • Informational resources and educational materials
  • And other learning opportunities

Contact Us

Medicare Education FAQs

Q: What is Medicare?
A: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and people under 65 with certain disabilities. It is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or CMS, a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services.


Q: Who is eligible for Medicare?
A: If you are over 65, you must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident. If you are under 65, you must be entitled to Social Security for at least 24 months, have End-Stage Renal Disease, or ALS.


Q: What are the different parts of Medicare?
A: Part A is hospital insurance, Part B is medical insurance, Part C is a Medicare Advantage plan, and Part D covers Prescription Drugs.


Q: What doesn’t Medicare cover?
A: Original Medicare does not include coverage for prescription drugs or routine care like vision and hearing exams.  It also does not cover dental care, worldwide emergency or urgent care outside the United States, or long-term care.

Medicare does not have a maximum out-of-pocket limit and does not include coverage for Annual Physicals.


Q: What is the difference between a Medicare Advantage plan and Medicare Supplement plan?
A: Medicare Advantage plans cover Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) benefits and most include Part D prescription drug coverage under a single health plan. They also often include benefits beyond Original Medicare such as routine care and worldwide emergency and urgent care and supplemental benefits such as dental coverage.

Medicare Supplement plans help with some of the out-of-pocket costs Medicare doesn’t cover—such as deductibles and coinsurance.  It essentially supplements your Original Medicare coverage by filling the gaps in coverage rather than taking over Medicare coverage like a Medicare Advantage plan.


Q: How do I avoid Medicare's Health Savings Account (HSA) tax penalty?
A: Medicare Advantage plans cover Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) benefits and most include Part D prescription drug coverage under a single health plan. They also often include benefits beyond Original Medicare such as routine care and worldwide emergency and urgent care and supplemental benefits such as dental coverage.

To avoid a tax penalty, you and your employer should stop contributing to your HSA at least 6 months before you apply for any part of Medicare. You can withdraw money from your HSA after your Medicare coverage starts to help pay your share of costs (like deductibles, premiums, coinsurance or copayments). If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) based on your or your spouse’s current employment, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without penalty.

 

Contact Our Medicare Education Department

  • Phone: 860.972.9030

  • CarePartners of Connecticut

    As Connecticut’s leader in senior care, Hartford HealthCare is dedicated to helping you lead a healthy lifestyle. And that includes health care coverage. CarePartners of Connecticut is the state’s only Medicare Advantage plan created with Hartford HealthCare doctors, to make health care simpler and less stressful. CarePartners of Connecticut’s local, licensed Medicare Agents can answer all your Medicare questions.*

    To learn more visit CarePartnersCT.com or call 1.888.454.9115 (TTY:711)

    *We may contract with other Plans/Part D-sponsors