With the Dec. 7 deadline to change 2019 Medicare plans looming, the Community Center is welcoming those who would like more information to join them for an AARP Telephone Town Hall on Thursday, Nov. 29.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and is a live telephone forum with Medicare experts. According to AARP, “We will discuss Open Enrollment, how to get the most from your coverage, and how the latest Medicare news out of Washington impacts Maine.”

Speakers are Jim Baker, Medicare advisor at Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging and Kate Ende of the Augusta-based Consumers for Affordable Health Care, which advocates for Mainers on issues about health care affordability, coverage, access and quality. As manager of the Consumer Assistance Program since 2013, Ende is responsible for the toll-free helpline, education, and help with private insurance appeals.

Baker, an expert on Medicare Open Enrollment, volunteers with Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging.

The event will be conducted entirely on the phone, with an introduction from AARP Maine followed by remarks from the speakers. Callers can ask the experts questions in real time. The annual Medicare open enrollment period ends Dec. 7. Changes to plans for 2019 must be made by then.

Community Center board of directors member Margaret Perritt said the Center is glad to host the event. “As with all things, knowledge is power,” she said. “This would be an ideal opportunity to get more knowledge about healthcare insurance options. We welcome everyone to the center and to this very important program.” Board president Shawn Lewin echoed the sentiment. “There are many changes to the various plans. I believe that this will provide very helpful information.”

For more information, call the Center at 633-9876.