Public Health Students Help Senior Citizens Access Their Health Benefits

Students of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program of the College of Public Health has teamed up with the Area Agency on Aging to help seniors compare Medicare Part D plans during open enrollment.  Over the last few years, the agency trains students about Medicare Part D, preparing the students to help seniors compare plans using software that identifies their best options given the senior’s status.  

During the annual enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can join, switch or drop their Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage coverage. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans change their coverage and costs each year, so it is important for individuals to review their plan and compare it to others on the market every fall. 

“Medicare Part D is an extremely complicated system, and when compounded with requirements of individual pharmacological needs, finding a plan is a daunting task,” stated Dr. Mike Stoots, Associate Professor of Community Health.  “Our students took the test with vigor, doing an outstanding job in both learning and in assisting elderly populations.”  Dr. Stoots, Aimee Rowe, and Kristy Gagnon are instructors who supervise the students during the course.  

As part of the Area Agency on Agency’s mission, these students are able improve the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities who live in the eight counties of Northeast Tennessee by identifying local needs, providing services, coordinating resources, and providing information to promote a continuum of care which supports independence, choice and empowerment.