Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027 at the Timbers

The Timbers of Shorewood is hosting an educational program titled “Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Timbers, 1100 N. River Road, Shorewood. Presented by Advocate Insurance Agency, the presentation will address how to review current coverage, evaluate provider networks and make informed choices to ensure health plans align with medical needs. The program is free and open to the public.

According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), nearly 70 million Americans rely on Medicare for their healthcare coverage. However, a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis of federal Medicare survey data found that nearly seven in 10 beneficiaries do not actively compare their coverage options during the annual open enrollment period, and historically only a small share of beneficiaries voluntarily switch plans each year.

“Medicare rules and plan options evolve every single year, making it easy for seniors to feel overwhelmed or inadvertently miss out on better coverage,” said Sheila Albor, director of marketing at The Timbers of Shorewood. “We wanted to get local experts in front of our residents and neighbors before open enrollment starts, so people have time to compare their options instead of just re-signing for whatever they had last year.”

Medicare's annual open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, giving seniors a limited window each year to review and change their coverage.

This presentation is part of the 2026 Timbers Educational Series, a multi-month initiative designed to bring expert guidance on senior health, safety and wellness directly to the local community.

The schedule for the Timbers Educational Series includes:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Preparing for Respiratory Season
• Thursday, Nov. 5 – Veterans Benefit Seminar
• Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Getting Your Affairs in Order

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community that provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.

Again, all programs in the series are free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://www.timbersofshorewood.com or call 815-609-0669.