Ocean County Office of Senior Services

10/16/2026

Does your mom, dad, or another loved one age 60 or older need a ride to a medical appointment? **Ocean Ride** can help! 🚐

Ocean Ride’s trained, caring drivers help them get to their appointment safely.

To schedule a ride, call (732) 736-8989, ext. 1, and speak with an Ocean Ride reservationist.

10/14/2026

📣 Medicare Open Enrollment begins next week. This is your chance to make sure you're getting the most out of your Medicare benefits. Your healthcare needs can change — and so can Medicare plans — so Open Enrollment is the perfect time to find the right fit for you.

For more information or to speak with a SHIP Counselor, call 732-929-2091. ☎️

10/12/2026

The Office of Senior Services is **closed** today in observance of Columbus Day. We will reopen tomorrow during regular business hours.

10/09/2026

👨🏾👵🏻👴🏽 It’s . Let’s work together to reframe aging in our communities and make them more age-friendly. Working together to improve all aspects of life, from housing to healthcare, can make NJ a better place for residents of all ages.

🔗Learn how you can help make NJ more age-friendly: bit.ly/3Zs6rBm

10/07/2026

10/05/2026

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) priority period opened on October 1, 2026. The priority period includes households with older adults, individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years old and under, and households that are disconnected from one or more utility or in jeopardy of being disconnected.

09/30/2026

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲-𝗔-𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲

Starting October 19, the Ocean County Ocean Ride Transportation Services will send automated message reminders to Reserve-A-Ride users about ride details, thanks to the implementation of a new software system.

With the new software, riders will receive an automated confirmation call the day before their booked ride. On the day of the appointment riders will also receive a call 15 minutes before their pick-up window begins, a text alert when the vehicle is on the way, and when it has arrived.

When booking through Reserve-A-Ride users will select a pick-up window of 30-60 minutes, depending on the service selected. Passengers will need to be ready at the start of the pick-up window, because drivers may arrive at any point during the specified time frame.

“The new software is designed to make Reserve-A-Ride services more efficient and timing during the pick-up window more accurate for riders,” Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to Ocean Ride, said.

When users schedule a ride through the Ocean Ride Reserve-A-Ride program, they will be prompted to provide contact information, if it is not already on file, so they can receive reminders and updates.

“Ocean Ride is moving forward towards the future of public transportation, seeking to streamline service for riders,” Arace said. “The Reserve-A-Ride program is meant to make life easier for our senior population and residents living with a disability. We hope this new alert system provides even further ease.”

The system for booking rides will stay the same. Rides can still be booked over the phone. Reserve-A-Ride hours of operation will also remain the same, along with the share ride service. Riders can expect the same Ocean County vehicles to be driven by friendly and caring drives, providing safe and reliable transportation. In 2027, all Ocean Ride users can expect the launch of a new smartphone application, which will allow for easy access to ride and route information.

The Ocean County Department of Transportation Services operates 13 Ocean Ride public transportation routes and the Reserve-A-Ride Program which provides door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation services to seniors (age 60 and over) and persons with disabilities (age 18 and over). This service is offered on an advanced registration basis primarily to destinations within Ocean County.

🔗 To read more Ocean County Government news, visit: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmPressReleases.aspx

09/25/2026

From October 15 through December 7, you can review your coverage and make changes for 2027. Even if you're happy with your current plan, it's a good idea to compare your options each year. Costs, provider networks, covered drugs, and benefits can change.

Use Medicare's Plan Finder to compare plans, costs, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage.

Need help understanding your choices? The Ocean County Office of Senior Services offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help you compare plans and make informed decisions about your coverage.
Because counseling is personalized and demand increases during Open Enrollment, appointments fill quickly. Contact us at 732-929-2091 early to get the help you need.