MCPHS University Pharmacy Outreach Program

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment is Now Open!

Each year, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plan for the following year. As a reminder, Open Enrollment begins on October 15, 2025!

Here is what you can do during Open Enrollment: ➡Change from Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan) to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
➡Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original
Medicare (with or without a Medicare drug plan).
➡Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
Medicare Advantage Plan.
➡Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer
drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug
coverage.
➡Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug
coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug
coverage.
➡Join a Medicare drug plan.
➡Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare
Prescription drug plan.
➡Drop your Medicare drug coverage completely.

If you need assistance regarding your medication cost, medication usage, or coverage options, call Pharmacy Outreach, toll-free, (866) 633-1617. Call us today!

ATTENTION ALL MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES!
The annual Medicare Part D Open Enrollment is almost here! It runs from October 15 through December 7. Every year plans change – we can help find the best plan for you!

Contact our office for more information. Our toll-free number is 866-633-1617.

The Pharmacy Outreach Program is a free service for Massachusetts residents provided by MCPHS and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence. Our team of case managers and pharmacists work together to ensure residents can afford their medications and understand how to take their medications correctly.

Individuals can take an active role in the management of their medications by following safety precautions to reduce the risk of harm associated with drug use.

The Pharmacy Outreach Program is a free service for Massachusetts residents provided by MCPHS and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence. Our team of case managers and pharmacists work together to ensure residents can afford their medications and understand how to take their medications correctly.

👉Here are some best practices to use when it comes to managing your medications:

🔴Use caution with Over-the-Counter medications: many of these products have multiple ingredients that could be harmful and interact with prescription medications. Refer to your pharmacist with any questions.

🔴Follow directions of when to take this medication and whether or not to eat food. Some medications can upset your stomach so it’s important to know when to take your medication with food.

🔴If there is any hesitation talk with your pharmacist or your doctor. Advocate for yourself - Knowledge is power!

🔴Keep an updated medication list with correct dosage amounts.

🔴Keep a detailed report of any changes such as increased blood pressure, blood sugar, or any other symptoms that are new.

🔴Store medications in a cool dry place. It’s also important to keep all medications locked up and out of sight of children and pets. Always have the Poison Control number visually listed in case of an emergency.

🔴Keep an eye on your expiration dates. Do not use expired medications and reach out to your doctor if you need a new prescription or refill.

🔴Do not share medications – even if it’s the same medication and dosage, the medication is prescribed for you only!

🔴To dispose of your medication(s) many pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments have secure, year-round disposal kiosks. You can use the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Authorized Collector Locator to find a site near you. (https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1). The DEA also hosts two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days per year, in April and October. This event offers a free and anonymous way to turn in unused medication.

🔴Syringes, needles, and other sharps should never be thrown in the trash. Place them in a designated sharps disposal container or a heavy-duty, puncture-proof plastic container, like a laundry detergent bottle, and seal it tightly. Some pharmacies and law enforcement sites accept sharps.

❓If you have questions about your medications and need to speak with our pharmacists, please call our office toll-free (866) 633-1617. Office hours are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Give us a call today!

Every August, National Wellness Month reminds us to prioritize self-care, preventive health, and healthy habits. But for older adults, wellness is not just about managing today—it is about protecting your independence, mobility, and quality of life for years to come. (https://nationaltoday.com/national-wellness-month/)

What Does “Wellness” Really Mean for Older Adults?

➡️Physical Health: Are you getting the movement, nutrition, and screenings you need?
➡️Mental Health: Are you staying socially connected, mentally active, and emotionally supported?
➡️Preventive Health: Are you keeping up with vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and bone scans?

For more information please visit: HealthinAging.org.

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✅MCPHS Pharmacy Outreach provides free, statewide support for Massachusetts residents aiming to promotes Wellness & Aging to help older adults and caregivers take control of their wellness through:

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) – a review of all OTC and prescription medications to make sure they are safe, necessary, and not causing harm.

Cost-Saving Help – explanation of the Medicare Part D coverage and providing recommended cost-effective options.

Preventive Care Guidance – information on preventative vaccinations (Flu, Pneumonia, Shingrix, etc.), screenings, and health maintenance for aging adults.

Phone– All services are free, statewide, and available by phone.

Toll-free: 1-866-633-1617

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information, please visit our website at www.mcphs.edu/pharmacyoutreach