Free Medicare Help Near Arbutus: Catonsville, Nov 16 to 18

If you or a parent are on Medicare, now is the time to make sure your drug plan still fits. Baltimore County's free SHIP counselors will be at the Catonsville Senior Center, a short drive from Arbutus, from Monday, November 16 through Wednesday, November 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are free but registration is required, and Medicare open enrollment ends December 7.

What is SHIP, and how can it help?

SHIP is the Baltimore County Department of Aging's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. The county says its trained, certified volunteers give free, unbiased and confidential Medicare counseling to county residents who are 65 and up, and to people under 65 who receive SSDI.

According to the county, SHIP counselors can help you:

• Understand Medicare Parts A, B, C and D
• Compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans
• Review Medigap supplement options
• Avoid late enrollment penalties
• Resolve billing issues and file appeals
• Check whether you qualify for programs that lower costs, like Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help and the Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program

I love that this help is free and local. Neighbors helping neighbors make sense of the paperwork is exactly the Arbutus spirit.

When and where are the Catonsville sessions?

The Catonsville SHIP session listing says counselors will help you evaluate your Part D plan choices for 2027.

What should you bring to your appointment?

The county asks you to bring:

• A list of your prescriptions, with the dosage and how often you take each one
• Your Medicare card and any other health insurance cards

Having that list ready is the single biggest time saver. If you are helping a parent, sit down with their pill bottles the night before and write it all out.

When is Medicare open enrollment?

The county says the annual Part D open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. That is the window to search for the best and least expensive prescription drug plan for the coming year. If you can't make the Catonsville dates, SHIP counseling is available by phone all year, and you can email the county's SHIP team at medicareinformation@baltimorecountymd.gov. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

What does this mean for neighbors and families moving here?

Southwest Baltimore County is a wonderful place to grow older, with the Arbutus Senior Center free to join for anyone 60 and up and county help like this close by. If you are a homeowner, make sure you also have the Maryland Homestead Tax Credit on file. And if you are thinking about moving closer to family here, my Moving to Arbutus guide is a good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions