Medicare Open Enrollment Runs October 15th to December 7th

If you have Medicare, October 15th to December 7th is the time to review and make changes to your coverage options. You can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan

• Change to another Medicare Advantage Plan

• Join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

You can make as many changes as needed during this time and the changes will take effect January 1, 2024.

Local assistance is available to help you navigate Medicare Open Enrollment. The Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)​ offers free unbiased counseling in all 23 counties and Baltimore City. Call your local SHIP office to schedule an appointment. Visit aging.maryland.gov to learn more.

Raising Your Voice in the 2024 Election

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Are you prepared to cast your ballot?

The disability community has a powerful voice, and voting is one of the most important ways to make it heard. Every election shapes the policies and laws that affect our daily lives, from healthcare and education to transportation and accessibility. That’s why it’s crucial for people with disabilities to show up at the polls and participate in the democratic process.

To help ensure you’re prepared, we encourage you to access these resources provided by our state disability community.

The Maryland Senate Candidate Forum For People with Disabilities and Their Allies: Featuring U.S. Senate Candidates Angela Alsobrooks & Larry Hogan

Moderated by Chris Nusbaum, Bridges Project Coordinator and Social Support Specialist at The IMAGE Center, this discussion featured insights from two voting rights experts:

• Jeff Kaloc, Governmental Affairs Specialist at the National Federation of the Blind

• Braden Stinar, attorney and voting rights specialist at Disability Rights Maryland

The panel dove into the critical importance of understanding your rights as a voter, especially in the upcoming election season. Whether voting in person or by mail, it’s essential to be informed about the accessible options available to you.

Check out a recording of the panel below:

Other Events from the Community

Voting Access Webinar

Disability Rights Maryland, in partnership with the Bay Area Center for Independent Living, hosted a presentation on what to expect at the polls as a voter with a disability, ensuring awareness of important upcoming election deadlines, and registered interested attendees. To learn more, contact Disability Rights Maryland or the Bay Area CIL.

Washington County Voter Workshop

Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc of Washington County, and Maryland Disabilities Forum recently hosted a Voter Workshop tailored for individuals with disabilities to gain valuable insights into accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, and how to make sure your voice is heard at the polls. For more information, contact Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc of Washington County, or the Maryland Disabilities Forum.

More Resources

Additionally, here are some helpful resources to assist you in voting:

• Maryland State Board of Elections Accessibility Page

• National Disability Rights Network Voting Resources

• Election Assistance Commission’s Accessible Voting Guide

Make sure your voice counts this election season. Together, we can ensure that the needs and rights of the disability community are represented in every vote cast!

Celebrating Jade Gingerich: A Champion for the Disability Community

We are proud to acknowledge our esteemed Ex-Officio member, Ms. Jade Gingerich, for her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the disability community. On September 9th, Jade was honored by the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) for her remarkable 26 years of dedicated service to the state in this vital area.

Throughout her career, Jade has played a pivotal role, both prior to and since the establishment of the Department of Disabilities, advocating tirelessly for policies and initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her efforts have been instrumental in improving students’ readiness for post-school outcomes, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to thrive in their future endeavors.

Moreover, Jade has worked diligently to enhance access to employment opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities, championing initiatives that break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the workplace, such as the creation of the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program, Maryland Medicaid Buy-In, and the elimination of subminimum wage.

We are also thrilled to announce that Jade’s hard work has recently been recognized with two significant federal grants. The first, a nearly $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Disability Innovation Fund, will support the development of a transition linkage tool to ensure students with disabilities exit school connected to essential post-school services. The second, totaling $4.5 million from the Social Security Administration (SSA), will focus on utilizing Medicaid data to connect potentially eligible children to Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both grants span five years, and it’s clear that Jade will have a busy and impactful few years ahead!

Jade’s commitment to fostering an equitable environment has made a significant impact on countless lives. We celebrate her not only for her accomplishments but also for her passion and dedication to empowering others. Her work continues to inspire us all, and we are grateful for her leadership in the disability community.

Thank you, Jade, for your outstanding service and commitment to creating a more inclusive Maryland.