By Barry Klitsberg
This fall, Long Island seniors will once again face one of the most critical decisions they make each year: how to navigate the Medicare Open Enrollment season. From October 15 to December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to review and make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for 2026.
Too many seniors ignore this window, assuming their current coverage is “good enough.” But that can be a costly mistake. Each year a number of important changes are made to Medicare health and drug plans that could impact your budget and your access to care.
Here on Long Island, where nearly one in five residents is over age 60, the stakes are especially high. Fortunately, help is close at hand. The Family & Children’s Association (FCA), based in Garden City, is proud to offer free, confidential, and unbiased guidance through the federally funded Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP). Our team helps Nassau County residents—and their caregivers—make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage.
Part D deductibles increase, and some plans may tweak their formularies—meaning your specific drug could become more expensive or be dropped entirely. Some companies reduce the number of the plans they offer or stop selling their products completely.
Meanwhile, the standard Medicare Part B premium (which covers doctor visits and outpatient care) is likely to go up next year. The new premiums will be announced this November. The deductible is probably going to increase. These increases could add up, especially for retirees on fixed incomes. For those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), it’s critical to check your provider network and co-pays, which generally change year to year.
That’s why we urge all Long Island Medicare beneficiaries to carefully review the Medicare & You handbook, as well as any notices from their current insurance providers. The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, sent in September, outlines any changes to your plan’s costs or benefits. If you toss that letter in the trash, you might be stuck with unpleasant surprises come January.
This system can be confusing—so seeking out unbiased help is critical. Family & Children’s Association HIICAP counselors are trained to walk you through your options, whether you’re evaluating a new plan, comparing drug coverage, or trying to understand how
changes might affect your wallet. Because we don’t sell insurance, you can trust that our advice is unbiased and focused entirely on what’s best for you.
In addition to Medicare guidance, FCA provides a wide range of services for older adults and their families throughout Nassau County:
- Bill Payer and Budget Assistance: Trained volunteers help seniors manage their monthly bills, balance checkbooks, and avoid financial abuse or exploitation.
- Reverse Mortgage Counseling: For homeowners considering tapping into home equity, FCA offers HUD-certified counselors to explain pros and cons.
- Tax Form Assistance: Volunteers and staff help seniors navigate tax preparation, forms, and filing, especially those on fixed incomes.
- Case Management Services: Licensed social workers provide assessments and connect seniors with needed in-home supports such as home care, transportation, and meal delivery.
- Caregiver Support: Resources and respite programs to help caregivers manage the complex needs of aging loved ones.
The bottom line? Don’t wait. Medicare Open Enrollment only happens once a year, and the decisions you make during this short window will affect your health care and your finances for the next 12 months. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re just a phone call away.
Long Island seniors, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources available right in your community. Call FCA’s HIICAP team at 516-485-3754 for help with Medicare, or reach out to 516-485-3425 for financial support programs. For case management and in-home services, call 516-292-1300.
This fall, take charge of your health—and let us help you make the most informed decisions possible.
Barry Klitsberg is Assistant HIICAP Coordinator at FCA (Family & Children’s Association), based in Garden City, NY, serving seniors, families, and caregivers across Nassau County.
