This month on the Cape
The senior year has a rhythm: Medicare in the autumn, fuel help before the cold, tax relief in the spring, storms in the summer. Here is what to do now, and what is coming next.
October
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Medicare open enrollment starts October 15
October 15 – December 7
From October 15 to December 7 you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or drug plan; changes start January 1. Cape & Islands SHINE counsellors give free, unbiased help. Book early: appointments fill up.
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Hang up on Medicare sales calls
Especially October – December
Medicare will never phone to sell you anything or come to your home. Never give your Medicare number to a caller. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Apply for fuel assistance before the cold
Benefits start November 1
The heating benefit covers November 1 to April 30. On the Cape, call South Shore Community Action Council or apply online. Applying is free.
-
Next year’s Social Security raise is announced
Mid-October
The raise is based on September’s inflation figures, released October 14, 2026. It first shows up in the January payment.
-
Heading south for the winter? Forward the mail
October – November
Set up a USPS temporary forward (15 days to a year; allow two weeks). Leave a key and your numbers with a neighbour, and set the heat so the pipes don’t freeze.
Coming up next
November
-
Clocks go back: light the path and test the alarms
First Sunday in November (November 1, 2026)
It gets dark before 5pm. Add night-lights between bedroom and bathroom, light the outside steps, and test smoke and CO alarms.
-
Property-tax payment, and the abatement deadline in some towns
November 1 Varies by town
November 1 is a payment date in quarterly and twice-yearly billing towns. Where a town bills twice a year, it is usually also the last day to apply for an abatement.
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Winter shut-off protection begins
November 15
From November 15 your utility cannot shut off heat-related gas or electric service if you have a financial hardship. You have to tell the company about the hardship.
-
Holiday visit: what to notice
Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026
When you visit, look for spoiled or missing food, missed medicines, unopened mail, clutter, weight loss, mood changes or memory problems beyond ordinary forgetfulness. Ask how they are managing, and listen before suggesting anything.
-
Higher income? Watch for an IRMAA letter
November
Social Security sends Medicare income-adjustment notices in November. If your income has dropped because you retired or a spouse died, you can ask for the charge to be lowered.
What’s on at your senior centre
One email a month for your town
On the first of each month: what to do this month (Medicare, taxes, fuel help, storms), what is on at your senior centre, and any number in your town that changed. Nothing else. Unsubscribe with one click.
The whole year
January
January
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Switch Medicare Advantage plans if yours isn’t working
January 1 – March 31
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan, or go back to Original Medicare, once between January 1 and March 31. A free SHINE counsellor can help you compare.
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Missed signing up for Part B? Now is the time
January 1 – March 31
If you did not sign up for Medicare Part A or B when you were first eligible, the General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31. Coverage starts the month after you sign up. A late penalty may apply.
-
Check your first Social Security payment of the year
January payment
January’s payment includes the new cost-of-living raise, minus the new Medicare Part B premium (in 2026 the standard premium is $202.90 a month, and the $283 yearly deductible starts over in January).
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Behind on the heating bill? You are protected until March 15
November 15 – March 15
From November 15 to March 15 your gas or electric company cannot shut off service you need for heat if you have a financial hardship. If everyone in the home is 65 or older, the utility needs state permission to shut you off at any time of year.
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Start the property-tax exemption paperwork
Deadline varies by town Varies by town
Senior exemptions (Clauses 17D and 41C) and the 41A tax deferral must be applied for every year, usually by April 1 or three months after your town mails the actual tax bill. Ask your town assessor for this year’s form.
February
February
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Book free tax help through AARP Tax-Aide
Early February – April 15
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide prepares returns free from early February to April 15, mainly for older people on low and moderate incomes. You do not need to be an AARP member. Many Cape sites are at the Council on Aging.
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Claim the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit
With your state return, due mid-April
Massachusetts homeowners and renters aged 65 or older can get money back on the state tax return (Schedule CB), even if they owe no tax. For tax year 2025 the most was $2,820. You can claim missed years up to three years back.
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Property-tax payment in quarterly-billing towns
February 1 Varies by town
Where a town bills quarterly, the third-quarter payment is due February 1, which is usually also the last day to apply for an abatement. Some Cape towns bill twice a year instead: check your own bill.
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It is not too late for fuel assistance
Heating season November 1 – April 30
The state fuel assistance programme helps pay for heat used between November 1 and April 30. It is free to apply. On the Cape, applications go through South Shore Community Action Council.
March
March
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Clocks go forward: test the smoke and CO alarms
Second Sunday in March (March 14, 2027)
When you change the clocks, test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and check the date on the back. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years and CO alarms after 5 to 7.
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Set up a payment plan before winter protection ends
March 15
The winter protection against heat shut-offs ends March 15. If you are behind on the gas or electric bill, call the company before then and ask for a payment plan.
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Last chance this year to change a Medicare Advantage plan
March 31
March 31 ends both the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and the General Enrollment Period for Part B. After that, most people wait until October 15.
-
Hang up on tax-season scam calls
February – April
Scammers pretend to be the IRS and demand payment by gift card or wire. The real IRS does not phone and demand immediate payment. Hang up and call family or your Council on Aging before paying anyone.
April
April
-
First required IRA withdrawal, if you turned 73 last year
April 1
If you turned 73 last year and have not taken your first required minimum distribution, the deadline is April 1. This year’s must also come out by December 31, which can mean two taxable withdrawals in one year.
-
Get the senior property-tax exemption in on time
April 1 in many towns Varies by town
In many towns April 1 is the deadline for senior exemptions (17D, 41C) and the 41A deferral. It can be later if your town mailed its bills late. The assessors cannot accept a late application.
-
File federal and state tax returns
April 15
Both are due April 15. A Massachusetts extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay. Include Schedule CB if you qualify for the Circuit Breaker credit.
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Clear trip hazards while you spring clean
April – May
More than one in four older adults falls each year. Clear floors and stairs, fix loose rugs and brighten hallways. If the house is getting harder to manage, spring is a good time to think about staying or going.
May
May
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Tick season: check yourself every day
May – July
Young deer ticks are most active May to July. Use a repellent, tuck long light trousers into socks, and check knees, armpits, scalp and neck after being outdoors. Call the doctor about any rash or fever.
-
May 1 property-tax payment
May 1 Varies by town
May 1 is a payment date in both quarterly and twice-yearly billing towns. Check the due date on your own bill.
-
Book medical rides early for the summer
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Summer traffic makes every trip longer. Cape residents can book DART door-to-door rides by appointment; book early for medical visits.
June
June
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Hurricane season starts: know your evacuation zone
June 1 – November 30
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Look up your address on the state’s Know Your Zone map, and keep a go-bag with medicines and copies of important papers.
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Know how to report elder abuse or money scams
Any time
If you think someone 60 or older is being abused, neglected or financially exploited, call Adult Protective Services. The line is open 24 hours, and you do not need proof.
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Line up help before summer gets busy
Any time
Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands handles Meals on Wheels, help at home and care management, free. Call them early, especially if someone is coming home from hospital.
July
July
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Stay cool, and check on neighbours in a heat wave
July – August
People over 65 are at higher risk from heat. Drink water, spend hot afternoons somewhere air-conditioned, and check on neighbours who live alone. Dial 2-1-1 to find a cooling centre.
-
Keep up tick checks after every outing
Through July
Grasp a tick with tweezers close to the skin and pull straight out, then watch the spot for a rash over the next few weeks.
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Take it easy on summer roads
July – August
More traffic and visitors who don’t know the roads. Run errands early in the morning, and if driving has started to feel stressful, try DART or a family ride.
August
August
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First property-tax payment of the new year
August 1 Varies by town
In quarterly-billing towns the first payment of the new fiscal year is due August 1. Towns that bill twice a year start on November 1.
-
Restock the storm kit before peak hurricane season
August – October
Late summer into autumn is the busiest stretch. Refill prescriptions, charge a spare phone battery, and keep water, food and torches ready.
-
Ask about the RSV vaccine
August – October
The CDC recommends one RSV dose for everyone 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 at higher risk. Late summer to early autumn is the best time. Most people need only one dose, ever.
September
September
-
Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change
Arrives in September
Medicare Advantage and drug plans post this in September. It lists next year’s changes to premiums, covered drugs and doctors. Read it before open enrollment starts on October 15.
-
Get the flu shot
September – October
Everyone should get a flu shot every year, usually in September or October. For people 65 and older, ask the pharmacist for a high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine. Many Councils on Aging run free flu clinics.
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Book a free home energy assessment
September – October
Cape Light Compact runs Mass Save on the Cape and offers no-cost home energy assessments, with extra help for households that qualify by income. Book before the heating season gets busy.
-
Shingles and pneumonia shots, if you are not up to date
Any time
Adults 50 and older should have two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart, even after shingles. Ask the doctor about pneumonia protection too.
October
October
-
Medicare open enrollment starts October 15
October 15 – December 7
From October 15 to December 7 you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or drug plan; changes start January 1. Cape & Islands SHINE counsellors give free, unbiased help. Book early: appointments fill up.
-
Hang up on Medicare sales calls
Especially October – December
Medicare will never phone to sell you anything or come to your home. Never give your Medicare number to a caller. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.
-
Apply for fuel assistance before the cold
Benefits start November 1
The heating benefit covers November 1 to April 30. On the Cape, call South Shore Community Action Council or apply online. Applying is free.
-
Next year’s Social Security raise is announced
Mid-October
The raise is based on September’s inflation figures, released October 14, 2026. It first shows up in the January payment.
-
Heading south for the winter? Forward the mail
October – November
Set up a USPS temporary forward (15 days to a year; allow two weeks). Leave a key and your numbers with a neighbour, and set the heat so the pipes don’t freeze.
November
November
-
Clocks go back: light the path and test the alarms
First Sunday in November (November 1, 2026)
It gets dark before 5pm. Add night-lights between bedroom and bathroom, light the outside steps, and test smoke and CO alarms.
-
Property-tax payment, and the abatement deadline in some towns
November 1 Varies by town
November 1 is a payment date in quarterly and twice-yearly billing towns. Where a town bills twice a year, it is usually also the last day to apply for an abatement.
-
Winter shut-off protection begins
November 15
From November 15 your utility cannot shut off heat-related gas or electric service if you have a financial hardship. You have to tell the company about the hardship.
-
Holiday visit: what to notice
Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026
When you visit, look for spoiled or missing food, missed medicines, unopened mail, clutter, weight loss, mood changes or memory problems beyond ordinary forgetfulness. Ask how they are managing, and listen before suggesting anything.
-
Higher income? Watch for an IRMAA letter
November
Social Security sends Medicare income-adjustment notices in November. If your income has dropped because you retired or a spouse died, you can ask for the charge to be lowered.
December
December
-
December 7 is the last day to change Medicare plans
December 7
Your plan must receive the change by December 7 for it to start January 1. If you have not compared plans yet, call SHINE now.
-
Required IRA withdrawal by December 31
December 31
If you are 73 or older, this year’s required minimum distribution must come out by December 31. Ask the bank or broker to confirm it has been done.
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Get ready for storms and power cuts
December – March
Keep torches, batteries, a week of medicine and a charged phone where you can find them. Never run a generator or grill indoors or in a garage.
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Noticed changes over the holidays? One first step
Late December – January
If a visit raised worries about memory or daily care, start with a doctor’s appointment and a call to Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands. You do not have to decide everything at once.
Researched 29 Sep 2026 against Medicare.gov, CMS, mass.gov, MA DOR, IRS, CDC, NOAA, SSCAC, Cape Light Compact and Cape & Islands SHINE. Dates that vary by town are marked varies. Re-check each autumn when Medicare and tax figures change.