Beginning Oct. 15, senior adults on Medicare are being offered free counseling that saved half of those comparing their plans approximately $1,200 out-of-pocket for 2024.

Through the open enrollment period until Dec. 7, the county will have qualified counselors at easy-to-access public places on a regularly scheduled basis to help Medicare recipients compare drug coverage for the coming year free.

These counselors answer questions and help seniors through the computer maze that can become complicated. The counselors do not sell for any company, do not charge for their counseling and are not compensated by any company competing for the business of seniors.

Last year participants saved more than half a million dollars in out-of-pocket drug costs.

In 2023, county counselors found a less expensive plan for 50 percent of those served saving them as much as an average of $1,200 a year in out-of-pocket costs, said Lafayette County Supervisor and Board President Brent Larson.

County supervisors in Calhoun, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, and Union Counties along with Three Rivers Planning and Development District and the Mississippi Department of Aging and Adult Services are providing the free counseling to all Medicare Part D enrollees.

In Lafayette County, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, counselors will be at the Lafayette County Chancery Building to assist Medicare Part D participants in searching the best option for themselves and even help them enroll on the spot if they prefer.

“There is nothing hidden here,” Larson said. “This is not a sales scheme. No one will ask for money now or later. The cost of the insurance will be deducted from the person’s Social Security check monthly like other aspects of Medicare.”

Participants are asked to bring their Medicare card and list of prescriptions. The counseling usually takes about 30 minutes.

“It’s worth the time,” Larson added. “You can call ahead to make an appointment.”