Whitman Council on Aging Cancels December Meeting, Eyes January 14 Return

WHITMAN -- November 19, 2025, Whitman's Council on Aging canceled its December meeting and flagged a Medicare enrollment crisis at its November 19 session. The board approved the October director's report and monthly financials without objection, with highlights including a sold-out vaccine clinic with Duvall's pharmacy, a debut cookie-decorating class by Blackbird Baking Company already rescheduled for December, and a presentation on Lizzie Borden that drew a capacity crowd. The director told the board that SHINE counselor Jill has been "booked solid" throughout Medicare open enrollment, that counterpart counselors in Middleborough and a volunteer named Eileen are equally full, and that the 1-800-MEDICARE helpline sent counselors an email saying it "can't take any more people." Blue Cross Blue Shield's discontinuation of a PPO plan without automatic member reassignment has driven much of the surge. The board's next regular meeting is January 14, 2026.