Analyzed URLs: - https://www.floridashine.org/ - https://aaaswfl.org/ - https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles ## [https://www.floridashine.org/](https://www.floridashine.org/) ### The 2023 Harold Barnes Volunteer Leader of the Year Award Winner ![](https://www.floridashine.org/Image/Fran.aspx?width=300&height=399) At the Leadership Training event in September 2024, The Florida Department of Elder Affairs' SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program announced, Fran Oberne, as the award winner for the Harold Barnes Volunteer of the Year Award. [Learn More](https://www.floridashine.org/Join-the-Team/Volunteer-of-the-Year-Award-Winner.aspx) ### **Virtual Medicare Classes Being Offered Starting Monday, June 29, 2026. Please join us!** ### Visit our Facebook Page @Florida.ship for specific event details. Click on the photo below to open the PDF, once you open the document you can find a direct link to any class we are offering. Just locate the class of your choice! ### [![Virtual Calendar](https://www.floridashine.org/getmedia/01420fef-a58d-4bf1-8785-28558f8cc490/06-29-2026-Virtual-Calendar.aspx?width=364&height=458)](https://www.floridashine.org/getattachment/Home/Virtual-Calendar-06-29-2026.pdf.aspx) ### SHINE volunteers continue to serve you, contact us for any Medicare assistance you need! ###  Who We Are SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. ### Our Mission The SHINE program supports the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ mission by providing free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a dedicated network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed health care choices. ### Request Assistance Need a Resource? [Contact Us](https://www.floridashine.org/Contact-Us.aspx).   Find [enrollment events](https://www.floridashine.org/Community-Events.aspx) in your area. #### Latest News Make a Difference Volunteer for SHINE!    The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides health insurance information and free, unbiased, and confidential counseling assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.  What is Volunteer for SHINE All About?    As a SHINE volunteer, you serve your community by performing at least one of the following functions:  \* Provide Medicare and health insurance information, counseling, and assistance in person or over the phone  \* Deliver educational presentations or speeches  \* Distribute educational and promotional materials in your community  \* Provide training and leadership to other volunteers  \* Assist with general program support  What Benefit Do I Receive Volunteering for SHINE?    \* Professional training from the Department of Elder Affairs and your local Aging and Disability Resource Center  \* Opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and gain knowledge about Medicare  \* Personal fulfillment from helping others  \* Pride from being part of an award-winning team  How Do I Get Started?    \* Contact SHINE to complete a volunteer application at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)  \* Complete an online volunteer application at www.floridashine.org  \* Join other community members in completing SHINE Training  \* Agree to uphold the integrity of the SHINE Program Cite as: [www.floridashine.org](https://www.floridashine.org/) ----- ## [https://aaaswfl.org/](https://aaaswfl.org/) ## Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida ![](https://aaaswfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-AAA_Logo.png)The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. AAASWFL is also the states designated [Aging and Disability Resource Center](https://elderaffairs.org/resource-directory/aging-and-disability-resource-centers-adrcs/) for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities. Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Florida’s most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. Click the link to the new Long-Term Care website for more information: [Long-Term Care](https://ahca.myflorida.com/Medicaid/statewide_mc/smmc_ltc.shtml) We are one of [eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging](https://elderaffairs.org/resource-directory/aging-and-disability-resource-centers-adrcs/) in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities. #### New RFP Posted to Our Document Center The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is requesting sealed proposals for CCE Lead Agency Designation for Glades and Hendry Counties. Visit our website’s [Document Center](https://aaaswfl.org/about-aaaswfl/documents/) for additional information and to access the proposal packet. Updates have been posted. Cite as: [aaaswfl.org](https://aaaswfl.org/) ----- ## [https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d](https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d) Medicare drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Even if you dont take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later. [How do I avoid the late enrollment penalty?](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties) ![](https://www.medicare.gov/sites/default/files/styles/285h/public/20240402_MedicarePortraits-2-CustomStock_13.png?itok=HKOw2haJ) Cite as: [www.medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d) ----- ## [https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles](https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles) ### summary: This page outlines the 2026 Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and income-related adjustment amounts. It specifically highlights the increase in costs for 2026 compared to 2025 due to projected utilization and pricing adjustments. ### Question: What does CMS say about the 2026 Part B deductible? verbatim: The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $283 in 2026, an increase of $26 from the annual deductible of $257 in 2025. The increase in the 2026 Part B standard premium and deductible is mainly due to projected price changes and assumed utilization increases that are consistent with historical experience. answer: CMS states that the annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries for the year 2026 will be $283. The agency notes that this increase is primarily attributed to projected price changes and assumed increases in utilization that align with historical experiences. ### Question: Is the 2026 deductible higher than 2025? verbatim: The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $283 in 2026, an increase of $26 from the annual deductible of $257 in 2025. answer: Yes, the 2026 deductible of $283 is higher than the 2025 deductible of $257, representing an increase of $26. ### Useful URL: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection Analysis: This link provides official access to the CMS-8089-N, CMS-8090-N, and CMS-8091-N notices for more detailed regulatory information. ### Useful URL: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-modernizes-payment-accuracy-significantly-cuts-spending-waste Analysis: This link details the changes in the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule regarding skin substitutes, which impacted Part B premium calculations. Cite as: [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)](https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles) -----