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PA Seniors Urged to Enroll in Medicare Before Deadline

by Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection

Nov 28, 2022

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period ends Dec. 7, so if you’re one of the 2.8 million Pennsylvanians eligible for Medicare, decisions need to be made now for the coming year.

Joanne Grossi, Pennsylvania state president emeritus for AARP, stressed it is important for anyone on Medicare to review their coverage options, and make sure their plan still meets their health care needs, because the coverage can change from year to year.

She added picking a plan can be complicated, but help is available.

“So please know that here in Pennsylvania, there’s an organization called PA MEDI that’s funded by the federal government,” Grossi pointed out. “It’s free counseling available to you. And these counselors will go over all the different Medicare options available, and help you make the choice that’s best for you.”

Many insurers offer Medicare Advantage plans, which typically cost more than the basic Medicare supplement plan because of their added benefits. People who enroll in Medicare choose a supplement or an Advantage plan to help cover the expenses Medicare does not cover. Grossi added some of the Medicare Advantage plans include vision, hearing, and dental coverage, plus meals and caregiving services if needed.

Grossi noted Medicare will soon be able to negotiate some prices with drug companies, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to lower prescription costs for people on Medicare and reduce federal spending.

“What’s really important for anybody on Medicare to know is that they won’t be paying more than $35 a month for insulin if they’re taking it,” Grossi emphasized. “Also, what happens starting in 2023, is drug companies get penalized if they increase the price of drugs faster than the rate of inflation.”

She added the $35 monthly insulin price begins in 2023 and will be in place even if a person has met not their Medicare deductible. She noted every Medicare plan includes Part A for hospitalization and Part B for doctor’s visits. If drug coverage isn’t included, there are separate plans, known as Part D, to cover prescriptions.

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