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Page 12 Senior Times - February 2026200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102Battle Creek, MI 49017 carewellservices.orgAging and Disability Resource Line: (269) 966-2450General Agency Telephone: 1-800-626-6719PROMOTING HEALTH INDEPENDENCE CHOICE%u201cChange is the only constant,%u201d as the popular saying goes. So, you are probably experiencing some changes in life, as we all do almost constantly. As we age, those changes include who we care for, how active we are, our abilities and needs, and many other things.Even though we know change is the only constant, that change usually surprises us and can sometimes cause frustration or anxiety. It%u2019s helpful to view every change as a learning experience, so we can understand those changes and adjust to the new needs of our circumstances.Our priorities at CareWell Services, as the Area Agency on Aging for Barry and Calhoun counties, are to promote health, independence, and choice for seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities. That means we are the hub for information that you may need as you are experiencing the changes that come with aging.Whether these changes include a new diagnosis, losing a loved one, enrolling for Medicare at 65, beginning to provide care for a loved one, or the need for a new type of exercise, CareWell Services has resources to support you.Many people don%u2019t want to think about the changes that come with aging or the help they may need. However, aging is a natural part of life. Knowing about support and information is imperative to aging gracefully.Available services include free exercise and education classes, MI Options resource counseling, Medicare benefits counseling, in-home care services, case management, Caregiver support, and more.When you find yourself experiencing life%u2019s changes and don%u2019t know who to call, call CareWell Services. We are here to help! Call us at (269) 966-2450 or visit our website at carewellservices.org.Experiencing Some Life Changes?By: Cassie Lucas-MooreCommunity Living Coordinator CareWell Services SouthwestI%u2019m turning 65 this year, do I need to sign up for Medicare?By: Kim Smallcombe, Community Programs Manager/SHIP Project Director, CareWell Services Southwestthree months after that month. During this time, you may need to enroll in Original Medicare, which includes: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). You will also need to decide how you want to receive your Medicare coverage %u2013 and yes, you have options.Some individuals are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B three months before the month you turn 65. You should receive your Medicare card about 30 days after enrolling. From there, it%u2019s time to make decisions about how you want your Medicare coverage to work for you. After you%u2019ve received your card, you can call us to help educate you on how Medicare works and to assist you with your options. Understand that Original Medicare covers 80% of inpatient hospitalization and outpatient medical costs. It does not include prescription coverage. At a minimum, you must add a Part D prescription plan, even if you don%u2019t currently take any prescription medications. Don%u2019t worry, there are numerous prescription plans with no monthly premium. You simply need to have one in place. Not receiving Social Security yet? No problem, but if you don%u2019t have creditable, employer-provided insurance you must take action. Some people decide to wait until a later date to begin collecting Social Security Benefits, but you must still have Medicare in place. In that instance, Medicare will invoice you for your Original Medicare premium(s). Avoid costly mistakes. Medicare enrollment rules and timelines can be confusing. Missing or misunderstanding your Initial Enrollment Period could result in lifetime premium penalties. If you miss your initial enrollment period, you%u2019ll need to wait until the following January to enroll. That%u2019s why it%u2019s important to seek free, accurate, and unbiased information from your local SHIP agency. SHIP counselors are specially trained in Medicare policies and do not benefit financially from your decisions. They can: %u2022 Explain how Medicare works %u2022 Review your coverage options: Supplemental (Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Prescription plan. %u2022 Screen for financial assistance programs to help make Medicare more affordableSHIP (State Health Insurance Program), formerly known as MMAP, has offices in every Michigan county. Call today at 800-803-7174Turning 65 does not automatically mean you must enroll in Medicare. Medicare rules state that if you are 65 and covered by a group health plan from active employment at a company with more than 20 employees, you may delay enrolling. No worries %u2013 when you retire, you will be granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll without penalty. This also holds true if you aren%u2019t working but you%u2019re covered by your spouse%u2019s medical plan. %u201cBut, I%u2019m on an Affordable Care Act Plan. Can I remain on that?%u201d Yes, you may. However, after 65 you%u2019ll lose any tax credit/subsidy that may be in place, meaning you%u2019ll pay full price, which may be dramatically more expensive. They do allow you to keep your ACA plan while having Original Medicare too, but you%u2019ll pay full price for that plan and you must report to your ACA carrier that you%u2019ve enrolled in Medicare to avoid having to repay subsidies. Not working or not covered by active employment? Then it%u2019s time to take action. Enrollment is completed at the Social Security Administration. You can do so online, at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up, or make an appointment at your local Social Security Office. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday month and ends