Every day, the New Orleans Council on Aging fields about 30 calls from older adults trying to make sense of their Medicare options. Some need help comparing plans during open enrollment, which began last week. Others are panicked over rising prescription prices and out-of-pocket costs while on a fixed income.

“The doctor prescribes a medication that’s $700. Your insurance pays $200. It may as well be $7,000,” said Nancy Grossley, a former social worker who now answers the phone at NOCOA and guides seniors through options several times a week at information sessions.

Even with insurance, many older adults are forced to make impossible choices.

“You do end up spending money on medication and doctors’ visits and procedures you can’t really afford,” Grossley said. “But then you have to affo

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